Chamber Voice Newsletter | July 2021 - Mid-Year Report Edition

July 2021 | Vol 16 Issue 7

W HAT ’ S IN TH IS I SSUE ?

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��������� Chamber Staff & Board of Directors

��������� A Message from the President/CEO

��������� 3-Year Strategic Plan

��������� 2021 Strategic Goals | Program of Work

���������� Rogers Cycling Festival

���������Vision 100 | The Next Five Years | 2022 - 2027

����� Marketing Communications Goals & Outcomes

������ Accounting & Finance Goals & Outcomes

����� Member Services Goals & Outcomes

����� Customer Service Goals & Outcomes

����� Economic Development Goals & Outcomes

���Downtown Development Goals & Outcomes

����Government Affairs Goals & Outcomes

����Community Development Goals & Outcomes

����Visit Rogers Goals & Outcomes

���� Downtown Rogers Inc. Goals & Outcomes

��� New Members | May 2021

Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce 317 West Walnut Street Rogers, Arkansas 72756 P: (479) 636-1240 F: (479) 636-5485 2

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������Membership Renewals | May 2021

���� 1st & 2nd Quarter Sponsors

���� Chamber Voice of Business Communication Channels

CHAM BE R S TAFF Raymond Burns, CCE President/CEO rburns@rogerslowell.com

Jon Moran Senior Vice President of Government Affairs jon@rogerslowell.com

Nick Smith Creative Services Director nick@rogerslowell.com

Kelly Parker, TMP Director of Marketing & Communications | Visit Rogers kelly@rogerslowell.com

J.R. Shaw, IOM Executive Director/Executive Vice President | Visit Rogers jr@rogerslowell.com

Ross Phillips Senior Vice President of Community Development ross@rogerslowell.com

Jeff O’Neill Director of Special Events jeff@rogerslowell.com

Luke Wiggins Director of Sales | Visit Rogers luke@rogerslowell.com

Katie Burns Vice President of Operations katie@rogerslowell.com

Geovanny Sarmiento Senior Vice President of Community Engagement & Inclusion geovanny@rogerslowell.com

Loretta Gomez Finance Manager loretta@rogerslowell.com

Ronnie Webb, Jr. Destination Sales Manager | Visit Rogers ronnie@rogerslowell.com

Shelle Summers, IOM Senior Vice President of Membership Services ssummers@rogerslowell.com

Vickie Grotts, IOM Vice President of Accounting & Finance vickie@rogerslowell.com

Sheree Barnes Operations Manager | Downtown Rogers, Inc. sheree@rogerslowell.com

Steve Cox Senior Vice President of Economic Development steve@rogerslowell.com

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

Jacque Eakins Account Executive jacque@rogerslowell.com

Brad Phillips Senior Vice President of Marketing Communications brad@rogerslowell.com

Shey Bland Executive Director | Downtown Rogers, Inc. shey@rogerslowell.com

Marni Rogers, IOM Member Relations Manager marni@rogerslowell.com

Justin Freeman Marketing Communications Specialist justin@rogerslowell.com

Ashley Matsumura Customer Relations Manager ashley@rogerslowell.com

B OARD OF D IREC TORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Chairman of the Board | Angie Tucker-Ridley, Tucker’s Furniture & Appliances Chairman-Elect | Erin Kiefer, Assembled Products Treasurer | Mike Power, First Security Bank Past Chairman | Greg Fogle, Nabholz Construction President/CEO | Raymond Burns RIDC President | Jerry Vest, Regions Bank

2020 DIRECTORS

2021 DIRECTORS

2022 DIRECTORS

Leah Acoach, FHB Ventures Danny Beck, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Joe Donaldson, Sam’s Furniture Brad Hicks, J.B. Hunt Transport Inc. Stennett Thompkins, AAA Insurance David Vaden, Ernst & Young LLP

Tom Allen, Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners Ron Branscum, Strategic Business Consulting, Inc. David Kimball, Benchmark Group Jerra Nalley Tanya Smith, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Melissa Turpin, Honeycomb Kitchen Shop

Kristen Boozman, Portfolio Sotheby’s International Realty Dean Fisher, Glad Manufacturing, Inc. Angela Grayson, Precipice IP Denten Park, Northwest Health Mathew Mozzoni, Cox Business Knight Weis, Signature Bank of Arkansas

EX-OFFICIO DIRECTORS Daizy Andrade, University of Arkansas Dr. Marlin Berry, Rogers Public Schools Jerry Carmichael, 3C Retail Solutions Ever Cuellar, First Security Bank Larry Cooper, Embassy Suites NW Arkansas Mike Dodge, Carroll Electric Coop. Corp.

Sandy Edwards, Crystal Bridges Museum David Faulkner, Pinnacle Hills Promenade

Cathy Foraker, AT&T David Foster, APAC-Central, Inc. Bradley Hardin, AEP/SWEPCO Ron Hayes, First United Methodist Church Dan Hendrix, Arkansas World Trade Center Greg Hines, Mayor, City of Rogers Tron Hodges, Black Hills Energy

Tom Hopper, TallChamps, LLC Corry Hull, BHC Insurance Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson, Northwest Arkansas Community College Peter Lane, Walton Arts Center Chris Moore, Mayor, City of Lowell Barry Moehring, Benton County Judge Bianca Montoya, Bike NWA

DIVISION CHAIRS Community Development - Leah Acoach Membership Services - Tanya Smith Economic Development - Tom Allen

Government Affairs - Jerry Carmichael Convention & Visitors Bureau - Larry Cooper

John-Michael Scurio, George’s Eric Pianalto, Mercy of Northwest Arkansas Gregg Stanfill, Arvest Bank Chris Sultemeier, Retired Walmart Dick Trammel, Chairman Emeritus Josh Vasquez, United Bank Jeff Wood, Tyson Foods

AUDIT COMMITTEE David Vaden Ron Branscum Knight Weis

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A Message from the President/CEO

Navigating the Path to Recovery Together We entered the year with both uncertainty and great optimism that our new normal would enable business to thrive. While we continue to see some labor and material shortages, we are encouraged by the confidence that both employers and consumers are demonstrating.

Over half (57%) of small businesses anticipate their revenue increasing this year, up 10 percentage points compared to last quarter (Q221 SBI). This marks the most positive outlook on this metric to-date during the pandemic. Fifty-two percent of small businesses rate their overall business health as good, unchanged from last quarter. This measure has stayed consistent for months.

U.S. consumer confidence jumped to its highest level in nearly 1-1/2 years in June as growing labor market optimism amid a reopening economy offset concerns about higher inflation (Reuters). Economists are forecasting another double-digit rise in consumer spending this quarter, which is expected to lead to the economy growing at about a 10 percent rate. Gross domestic product expanded at a 6.4% pace in the first quarter.

We are moving down the Path to Recovery together. Almost half of Benton and Washington Counties are now vaccinated. Chamber programming is approaching normal, and our economic and community development divisions continue to see positive outcomes from our mission-work.

Our Chamber is only as good as our members, and we are blessed to have some of the best members in the country. As you will see from our mid-year report, business is good in Northwest Arkansas – and the best is yet to come!

We appreciate the support you give us through your involvement and financial support. Let us know how we can help you.

Thank you,

Raymond Burns President/CEO

Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce 4

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3-Year Strategic Plan Goals & Key Focus Areas

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

GOAL:

EXCITING & UNIQUE BRAND

2022 | 100th Anniversary

KEY FOCUS AREAS: Segmentation and Brand Strategy Rebrand Launch at 100th Anniversary GOAL:

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

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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2021 Strategic Goals Program of Work BUDGET & FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP COALITION

MEMBER RETENTION & OUTREACH

DOWNTOWN ROGERS, INC.

Balance Budget and Grow Reserves Develop Sustainable Funding Model Cultivate Investors for Increased Funding

Deliver “Over the Top” Customer Service

Maximize Member Contact and Feedback

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Prepare Downtown for Sustainable Growth Attract New Business Investment Attract New Housing Investment Create Jobs and Business Expansion

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Champion New Initiatives and Best Practices Convene the Minority Community Deliver Unique Programming to the Business Community

ADOPTION OF ENTERPRISE WEBSITE AND ADOPTION ENTERPRISE OF ACCRISOFT’S DATABASEPLATFORM PLATFORMS FREEDOM Resolve Outstanding Issues Resolve OutstandingDeployment Deployment Issues Provide Staff Training

Become Data-Driven: Database Become Data-Driven:Optimize Optimize Database & Reporting & Reporting

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Integrate Citywide Communications Improve Collaboration and Cooperation

VISION 100

Integrate in Strategic Planning Implement Community Outreach to Champion the Plan Develop Resource Campaign

DESTINATION ROGERS

Activate Programming for Downtown Attractions & Amenities Deliver Successful DTR Farmers Market Create Long-Term Funding Strategy

Develop Long-Term Shared Destination Vision Promote Rogers’ Role as an Arts & Entertainment Destination Activate Quality Experiences Promote Tourism to Rogers

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & TALENT PIPELINE

LEADERSHIP ACTIVATION

Develop Talent Pipelines for Workforce Needs Connect Education with Industry Support Partner Programs and Initiatives

PRO-BUSINESS ADVOCACY & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Advocate for Business-Driven Policy Engage Community in Political Process Drive Change and Initiatives for New Political Paradigm

LOWELL COMMUNITY STRATEGY Develop Relationships with Community Leaders Increase Outreach to Lowell Businesses Support City with Contracted Services

Increase Leadership Development Engagement Activate NextGen Leaders with Programming Increase Outreach to Minority Community

BUILDING EXPANSION AND REMODEL

Start Due Diligence Process

ON HOLD 100th ANNIVERSARY

Explore Opportunities for Creating Unique Branding Develop Celebration Activities Create Launch Plan with Timing

SATURDAY, JULY 17 IN DOWNTOWN ROGERS Register now at RogersLowell.com Presented by

GET THE FAMILY OUTDOORS AND RIDIN’ BIKES The 2021 Rogers Cycling Festival (RCF) presented by Ozark Dermatology is a

RIDE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR NONPROFIT CYCLING CAUSES

great way to get out, stay active, and spend time with family while enjoying the

Tickets are free for those 10 and under and just $10 for adults, and a portion

beautiful scenery, roads, and trails of Rogers.

of the proceeds from the event benefits nonprofit cycling causes in Northwest Arkansas. Each registered rider will receive a prize pack for participating

The RCF is a family-friendly event where participants are invited to check-in

that includes a medal, headband, and a ticket to “Rider Village” that day,

from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. coinciding with the DTR Market that morning at the

including admission for the concert in Downtown Rogers.

new Railyard Park in Downtown Rogers, 101 E. Cherry St. Before riding, be sure to check out the many booths set up featuring local businesses and grab

WHAT IS RIDER VILLAGE?

complimentary merchandise and accessories.

Rider Village will be located at the Butterfield Stage in Downtown Rogers and is sponsored by Crossland Heavy Contractors. It features a variety of

ABOUT THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL

experiences to relax and have fun after a day of riding in the RCF. The City

Every part of the ride is on trails and sidewalks at this year’s RCF. The Railyard

of Rogers will also present its 2021 Concert Series, “Railyard Live” featuring

Loop Ride, a 15+ mile ride, loops the entire city of Rogers and participants can

the band The Uncrowned Kings. Attendees will enjoy various food trucks,

ride the whole route or drop in at the Mercy Trailhead for an 8-mile ride.

drinks, and other entertaining activities as the community comes together

Riders are encouraged to track their progress by using the Strava app.

after the RCF to celebrate our newly renovated downtown.

Chamber RCF partners such as Geico NW Arkansas, Benchmark Group, Arkansas Blue, Arvest, GoGo Squeez, Hight Jackson Associates, Java Dudes Coffee Co., T-Mobile and Glad will also be on hand welcoming riders and providing surprises throughout the day. BikeNWA will offer a kid-friendly obstacle course for youth of all ages.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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The Next Five Years | 2022-2027 As the Keeper of the Community Vision, the Chamber’s missionwork is focused on implementing our Vision 100 Community Action Plan for the Rogers-Lowell Area. Vision 100 is what our community has envisioned for itself in anticipation of the population reaching 100,000 in less than 15 years.

We built our vision for the future by convening community tables to collaborate with residents and our leaders. Now, our way forward incorporates our community’s values. We are aligned with a shared vision. Vision 100 is the Chamber’s roadmap to enhance our quality of life and ensure readiness for the future. It guides our mission-work for the next five years through 2027.

Who We Are

We are your Chamber of Commerce. We are influencers for responsible growth, catalysts for positive change, and conveners of the community collaborating on solutions for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. We are your regional Voice of Business and representation at the table. Ultimately, we help create a cohesive and connected community where people want to visit, live, invest, work, and play.

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What We Do

We work with our members, partners, and investors to accomplish our mission-work. Together, we are the trusted source for growing our region’s business, activating high-impact leaders, and building a strong community. Our mission-work encompasses five key focus areas to achieve our Vision:

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

We activate a diverse next generation of business and community leaders. We champion DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) initiatives, and we engage the right people at the right time to improve our quality of life with quality of place initiatives.

ADVOCACY & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

We serve as the regional link between business and government to ensure the Voice of Business is represented and heard. We engage the community in the political process from contacting a legislator to registering to vote. By working together, our voices influence positive legislative outcomes for business-driven, public policy.

SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT

We curate essential resources for starting, running, and growing business. We open doors to new connections for small businesspeople and entrepreneurs through educational programs and networking events. We listen to our Small Business Council who guides us as the Voice of Small Business, and we advocate for business-friendly legislation by representing small business needs to our legislators.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

We create a pro-business, pro-growth economic environment. We spur economic growth as a key driver for increasing the sales tax base. Our work develops talent pipelines for current and future workforce needs by connecting educators with industries. We offer resources and support to help sustain growth and development from Downtown Rogers to Uptown Rogers and Lowell.

Why We Do It

We want to make the Rogers-Lowell Area “the center of world-class business, welcoming communities, and opportunities for all” – that’s our Chamber’s Vision. Our mission-work builds a place where people want to visit, live, invest, work and play. That achieves prosperity for everybody.

• Builds a Vibrant, Safe & Welcoming Community • Prepares Leaders for Future Regional Challenges • Helps Businesses Gain Competitive Advantage & Sustain Success • Attracts Top Talent to the Region with Quality of Life Initiatives • Represents the Voice of Business Locally, Statewide and Nationally • Prioritizes the Regional Legislative Agenda • Passes Business-Friendly Legislation • Influences Long-Term Prosperity and Quality of Life

• • • •

Helps Entrepreneurs Start, Run and Grow Businesses Enables Small Business Success Supports Minority-Owned Business Needs Promotes Small Businesses to Increase Visibility and Awareness

• Attracts, Retains and Expands Business and Industry • Grows Tax Base to Fund Education, Public Safety, and Infrastructure • Creates Jobs and Career Opportunities • Develops Talent Pipeline Required for World Class Businesses

DESTINATION MARKETING & MANAGEMENT

We activate quality experiences for both visitors and residents and market our destination by targeting leisure, meetings, sports, and relocation markets to visit and conduct their business here. We cultivate tourism to create economic and community development. Our destination leadership and stewardship help balance responsible economic growth with sustainable tourism and quality of life. We believe that building a place people want to visit also builds a place where people want to live and work. It all starts with a visit.

• • • •

Increases Tourism Revenue for Regional Businesses Generates a Return on Tourism Marketing Investment Drives Quality of Place Opportunities Champions and Sustains Destination’s Quality of Life

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2021 Business Plan |

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ur 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.

2021 Goals Goal #1: Unify Strategic Communications and Messaging into “One Voice” to the Community Goal #2: Monetize Chamber’s Digital Advertising Assets to Generate Incremental Revenue Goal #3: Advertise and Promote Chamber’s Mission Work, Results/Accomplishments, Strategic Programs, and Signature Events (Trade and Cash) Goal #4: Grow Social Media and Interactions with Target Audiences (Customers, Members, Investors and Community) Goal #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 Goal #6: Promote RogersLowell.com to Increase Traffic and Convert Visitors to New Members via the Online Application Form

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Goal #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 Stretch Goal #8: Develop a new In-Bound Marketing Program for Lead Generation

2021 Outcome Highlights (through May) Created strategic messaging for the Mission-5 (five key focus areas of the Chamber’s mission-work) and integrated it into the new Vision 100 Resources Campaign collateral communicating to investors what we do, why we do it, and what we have accomplished over the past five years for a return on investment.

Total revenue to-date is $70,832.50, 90 percent to budget at mid-year.

Achieved 5,027 combined YouTube and Facebook views for the 99th Annual Celebration of Business & Community online show in April.

Launched the weekly Mission Minute video that highlights the Chamber’s programs and work; produced 16 editions that achieved 1,340 views.

Produced and delivered on-time digital publications including the Annual Report, The Good Life Destination Guide, and monthly Chamber Voice of Business Newsletters.

Distributed 12 press releases and followed up with media pitches resulting in Media Coverage (broadcast, print and online) for Economic Development Highlights, Annual Celebration of Business & Community, NWA Employment Showcase, grand opening of DTR Market, and Art on the Bricks Art Walk.

To-date, the division has produced 224 hours of Art and Design Time worth $50,400 (RPV) and 146 hours of Video Production Time worth $29,200 (RPV).

Updated Brand Book and digital assets for new programs and events.

Audited Sales Collateral with Member Services and updated with new content.

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ur 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.

Division Goals

Goal #1: Provide Quality Financial Data; Understandable, Reliable, Relevant Financial Analysis and Reporting Goal #2: Engage and convene our Finance Support Teams: Audit Committee and the 401(k)Trustee Committee, Facilitating Fiscal Oversight, Monitoring, and Guiding Accounting & Finance Goal #3: Manage Human Resource Health and Wellness Benefits for a Growing Staff

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2021 Outcome Highlights (through May) The auditor’s report reflects a “clean, unqualified opinion of the financial statements. The data is fairly presented in all material respects.” John Evan, Landmark PLC. Audit Committee will meet with our auditors twice each year, before and after the annual Chamber audit.

Pre-audit meeting held, February 24th and the post-audit meeting on May 20th.

We provided auditors with accurate complete information detailing all Chamber finance activities. Auditors had “no findings” to disclose in the management letter.

401(k) Trustee Committee meeting held May 21st.

Our investment plan has 100% participation. Our team maintains ongoing monitoring of individual participant portfolio activity and performance, as well as review and evaluation of the Plan portfolio. The annual Form 5500 has been filed and is in review.

Liaise between employees and providers to facilitate delivery of services.

Review and document individual deductions, ensuring accuracy.

We have hired six (6) and terminated three (3). We have provided the monthly Healthy People Newsletter, from OneDigital.

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2021 Business Plan |

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embership 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.

2021 Goals

Goal #1: Provide Five-Star Customer Service to Customers, Members and Investors Goal #2: Provide Value-Added Member Benefits Goal #3: Increase Annual Investment Revenue Goal #4: Utilize Digital Tools for Data-Driven Efforts

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2021 Outcome Highlights (through May) Staff has continued to connect with our members to educate them on value of their membership and services relevant to their business segment. Member Services staff has personally visited with 76 new members about member benefits and the use of our member portal.

Financially in 2021, we have seen an increase of program sponsorship dollars.

The Annual Celebration netted over $20,000 in revenue over planned and saw an increase of over $33,000 from the year 2020.

We presented a program that was relevant to our members and put a strong emphasis on the Chamber’s mission-work. The Annual Celebration has been viewed online by over 5,000 people, providing our sponsors more recognition and educating our members of the work we do.

We debuted the Spotlight Series in May with positive results for this new quarterly seminar series. The concept of putting the right people together at the right time to concentrate on relevant subjects worked as we had a large diverse crowd of businesses learn more about the current and future plans for economic development in Rogers and Lowell. Sponsorships flourished and when sponsors were surveyed, the responses were overwhelmingly positive and full of praise for bringing new concepts to the table.

Member Services continues to educate our various audiences about the mission-work of the Chamber. We work to engage new members in sponsorship and advertising opportunities to help promote their business while creating revenue for the Chamber. As we visit with members about the Vision 100 campaign, we encourage them to invest in the work the Chamber does.

We are connecting with businesses to request they invest for the first time in our campaign, encourage current investors to increase their financial support, and urge key members to pledge to increase their annual dues investment in perpetuity. Additionally, we are closely monitoring members who have not yet renewed their membership, to decrease our accounts receivable.

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ur 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.

2021 Goals

Goal #1: Provide “Over the Top” Customer Service to our Visitors, Residents, Members and Staff Goal #2: Provide “Over the Top” Customer Service to our Campaign Donors/Investors Goal #3: Provide “Over the Top” Customer Service on behalf of the Rogers Development Foundation to our Students and Donors Goal #4: Provide “Over the Top” Customer Service on behalf of U.S. Chamber of Commerce Accreditation Contact Us

How can we help you today?

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info@rogerslowell.com

2021 Outcome Highlights (through May) Phone Calls 1,665, Visitors 624, Team Meetings 25, Visitor Guides 406, Event Registrations 343, Community Events Added to Calendar 45.

Kept lobby and meeting rooms cleaned, organized and disinfected, completed all task given to department from other departments, DCR totals collected >$472,000 Revamped communication process for Vision 100 and delivered thank you letters and receipts to campaign donors in timely manner.

Collected required paperwork from students and sent funds to schools in timely manner, worked with Rogers Public Schools and provided requested reports, communicated with students as needed to make sure all funds were distributed in timely manner. Distributing $176,549.14 for the Fall Semester and $178,754.40 for the Spring Semester.

Worked with Dana Mather on needed information for reaccreditation and communicated with staff on what was needed from each department.

Sent email reminders of deadlines to staff and reminded staff in meetings about deadlines.

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2021 Business Plan |

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ew 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.

2021 Goals

Goal #1: Be a Business-friendly Community Focused on Business Growth and Commercial Development in Rogers and Lowell Goal #2: Invigorate Commercial Development in Lowell through Business Expansion and New Retail Opportunities through $5 Million in New Capital Development Goal #3: Create Workforce Development Opportunities in Our Community Goal #4: Engage the Small Business Community Goal #5: Engage Minority Communities within Northwest Arkansas with Programs and Offerings

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Goal #6: Continue to Create Quality of Place Initiatives to Attract a Diverse, First-Class Workforce

2021 Outcome Highlights (through May) Currently over $75 million in active commercial construction projects going on in Rogers.

Have hosted two LIC meetings, the first focused on employer rights regarding vaccines and the second was on new workforce development tools offered through the UA. Quarterly reports to the City of Rogers as part of our contract include the following data: • Job Creation: 1,230 jobs created from January-April 2021 • Unemployment Rate: 3.1 in April, down from 3.4 in January • Labor Force: 1,147 (growth in labor force from January-April 2021) • Sales Tax: Rogers has collected $11.2 Million through June. This is 55% of the record setting tax collections in 2020.

• Expansions: Five manufacturers in Rogers currently have expansion plans resulting in a combined $55 million in capital investment and 175 new high-wage jobs.

Have responded to 14 total inquiries regarding expansion and relocations for industries in Rogers and Lowell.

Current count is 51 completed surveys as of June and have 4 additional surveys already scheduled for July.

Hosted a K2J event in June focused on workforce development and help facilitate a factory tour of Glad with 12 CTE educators from across the region.

Staff helped promote and recruit employers to participate in the Rogers New Tech Internship/Career fair in April. Nearly 50 businesses participated.

Have hosted 3 Chamber Tutorials in 2021.

Have hosted one virtual and one in-person Hustle in Heels luncheon. The in-person programs for August and November already have speakers and topics confirmed.

Have had six discussions with developers related to affordable housing for our workforce. Plans are hopeful for a new multi-family option in Downtown Rogers.

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

2021 Goals Goal #1: Increase Multi-Family/Mixed-Use Residential Development Downtown Rogers Goal #2: Attract Supplier, Professional Services and Light Manufacturing Employers and Jobs to Downtown Rogers Goal #3: Establish the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce as the Primary Point-of-Contact for Doing Business in Downtown Rogers Goal #4: Connect All Activities to the Mission of Economic Development and the Master Plan with at Least Six Public Announcements Goal #5: Showcase Why Downtown Rogers is an Ideal Place to Conduct Business, Raise a Family and Enjoy Quality of Life Amenities and Activities

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Goal #6: Develop and Promote Downtown Rogers as a Destination Location for Arts, Music and Other Interactive Experiences Goal #7: Build Community Value through Effective Activation of Under-Utilized Properties

2021 Outcome Highlights (through May) 18 multi-family units are in the development planning, this is a 20% increase over 2019 number.

6 business owners that we made the first contact within NWA have established businesses/signed leases. Four in Downtown Rogers and two in other nearby cities.

Participated in Monthly Stakeholder Meetings with DTR Inc., City of Rogers Community Development, RDP Merchants Association, Rogers Historical Museum and APT Theatre.

Conducted site tours with three developers seeking to develop mixed use space.

Conducted site tours with 4 business owners seeking to open light manufacturing, retail or restaurants.

Facilitated site locations in and near downtown Rogers for four film production companies and two monthly magazines.

The Chamber communicated the creative economy and highlighted businesses that offered interactive experiences through press releases, articles and social media promotions.

Provided programs for more than 1,100 school children from Arkansas Arts Academy, Rogers Middle Schools, Pea Ridge Elementary School, Eureka Springs Elementary School, West Side Ballet students, and 3 non-profit organizations. (Ra-Ve Cultural Community, T.A.S.C. and a home school organization.)

Secured a grant from the Tyson Family Foundation and partnered with more than 20 nonprofits in six NWA communities to bring to Downtown Rogers and NWA an art exhibition from the United Nations in New York as well as the largest painting in the world.

Serving on the City of Rogers Alleyway Activation committee.

MID -YE AR REP O RT

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2021 Business Plan |

O

ur Government Affairs 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.

2021 Goals

Goal #1: Serve as the Regional Link Between Business and Government by Defining Legislative Priorities that Help Our Local Economy Grow Goal #2: Ensure the Voice of Business is Heard and Represented On Local, State, and National Legislative Policy Issues Goal #3: Advocate For Business-Driven Policy that Impacts Businesses of All Sizes (Taxation, Regulation, infrastructure, Etc.) Goal #4: Engage the Community in the Political Process Including Registering to Vote, Contacting Legislators, Hosting Educational Forums, and Organizing Calls to Action

MID -YE AR REP ORT

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Goal #5: influence Long-Term Prosperity and Quality of Life For Our Region

2021 Outcome Highlights (through May) The Division worked with the NWA Council to develop the NWA Regional Legislative Agenda. The top priority of the legislative agenda was to work with the Governor to pass a meaningful Hate Crimes Bill. The Hate Crimes Bill passed both Houses of the General Assembly and was signed by the Governor into law. The RLACC Government Affairs Staff coordinated the strategy to secure passage of the legislation through the NWA Council and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce.

Production for the legislator spotlight program “In the District” is in planning and will debut this Fall.

State Legislative Forums were adapted for Zoom and received higher than average participation than the live forums conducted in the past.

RLACC Staff met with the Bentonville Chamber, Mayor Ormand, and an outside consultant to develop a strategy for the bond election. The campaign plan we suggested was implemented and the measure passed with overwhelming support in a low-turnout election, which was the goal.

The Reverse Washington Fly-In is currently planned for September 1st in Rogers.

Staff has worked diligently to establish the Northwest Arkansas Civic and Community Leadership Program.

Worked with the NWA Council and the Arkansas General Assembly to advance the healthcare destination initiative. The Legislative Council approved the funding for an additional 92 residency slots for Washington Regional in Northwest Arkansas.

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2021 Business Plan |

P

rograms 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.

2021 Goals

Goal #1: Positively Impact Future Leaders Goal #2: Ensure Leaders Represent the Entire Community Goal #3: Increase and Activate Next Gen Leaders with Programming through Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders (NWAEL) Goal #4: Monetize Chamber’s Spanish Seminar Series Quarterly Educational Opportunities Goal #5: Increase Minority Small Business Membership Goal #6: Improve Graduation Rates for Minority Students Goal #7: Serve as the Welcoming Coordinator for the City of Rogers

MID -YE AR REP ORT

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2021 Outcome Highlights (through May) Worked with Greater Bentonville Area Chamber to form 2021 LBC cohort, with a total of 32 participants.

Worked with Greater Bentonville Area Chamber to form the sessions and provide relevant content around DEI, State and Local Government, Healthcare, Education, and Economy.

Continued the relationship with Arkansas NOP Alliance and Arkansas Community Foundation to learn of current Board Openings to inform participants of openings.

Partnered with EngageNWA, University of Arkansas IDEALS Institute, and other local Chambers to host and participate in DEI Regional Cohort.

15 small to mid-size businesses to participate in the DEI Regional Cohort.

Provided six trainings for Chamber Members on DEI issues, problems, and solutions topics will include Diversity in the Workplace, Diversity in NWA; Creating Cross-Cultural Dialogue, Building Inclusive Teams, Unconscious Bias, Creating More Effective & Diverse Boards and Councils, Choosing Respect in the Workplace.

Year to date we have signed up 18 new minority owned businesses.

We had 60 entrepreneurs attend our first two quarterly Spanish Seminar programs on how to start a business.

We have provided 8 minority business entrepreneurs with mentors and connected them to professional services and assistance year to date.

We have two staff members serving on the Board of the NWA Food Bank.

We participated in the TRAIN cohort DEI training for our Region.

Participated in a mentor capacity for the Hispanic Leadership Council’s LatinX on the Rise mentorship cohort reaching out to 15 students through this program.

MID -YE AR REP O RT

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2021 Business Plan |

V

isit 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, Visit Rogers is our Destination Marketing Organization

responsible for marketing the city to visitors.

2021 Goals

Goal #1: Promote Rogers as a World Class Destination, generating tourism revenue that funds investment in building the destination’s strength and quality of place Goal #2: Build Awareness of Rogers as a World-Class Destination through Digital, Print, and Social Media Marketing Strategies Goal #3: Align the Rogers Community Around a Shared Value Vision for Tourism Goal #4: Champion Destination Leadership Principles and Practices in Rogers Goal #5: Support Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Goals and Objectives with Visit Rogers Destination Leadership MID -YE AR REP ORT

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2021 Outcome Highlights (through May) Sourced 32,841 future room nights, generated 67 leads to partners and produced 12,450 definite room nights through all Visit Rogers sales efforts 73,250 users, 99% of them new, have visited visitrogersarkansas.com YTD 2021, resulting in 166,360 pageviews, visiting landing pages highlighting the outdoors, downtown developments, and local entertainment and things to do.

173 Facebook posts reached 293,984 users with 308,764 impressions. 322 Twitter posts generated 129,339 impressions: Instagram posts reached 252,519 users with 274,299 impressions; 1,150 Instagram stories have YTD reached 195,683 users generating 197,540 impressions, gaining 10,765 new followers to Visit Rogers Instagram account. Google posts YTD 2021 total 175,282 views and 4,723 engagements.

New sales collateral produced for meetings and sports markets, digital and print versions represent most current Rogers product and amenities.

Destination Rogers NEXT Advisory Task Force assembled to examine critical factors influencing community tourism alignment and evolution of the destination Rogers brand. Results and recommendations are being coalesced for presentation to the group late summer.

Personal visits to local businesses engaged by Visit Rogers staff, encouraging marketing participation and sharing of resources. Current and ongoing.

Presented 2021 Tourism Talk event at the Walmart AMP during National Travel & Tourism week. Joint event with Northwest Arkansas Travel & Meetings Professionals group gathered over 100 regional hospitality stakeholders together for content focused on destination recovery, market developments and placemaking branding.

Visit Rogers staff plays key roles in development of digital “The Good Life” magazine, small business spotlights, membership engagement, Staff Food Days, front desk coverage and building operations.

MID -YE AR REP O RT

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2021 Business Plan |

D

owntown Rogers (DTR), Inc. creates experiences designed to bring our community together in the downtown district to celebrate the past and embrace the future.

They work hard to make downtown a destination where people can explore our historic brick streets and buildings and enjoy fun, recreational activities.

It’s all about uniting the downtown area’s unique mix of creatives, artisans, cuisine, and entertainment.

2021 Goals

Goal #1: Bring the Community Back Together Again in Our Newly Renovated Spaces Goal #2: Relaunch DTR Farmers Market with Base for Continued Growth Goal #3: Strong Community Support for Program Funding

MID -YE AR REP ORT

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2021 Outcome Highlights (through May) Events and marketing that represents the varied cultural interests of the citizens of Rogers has created a more diverse attendance to downtown our scheduled activities.

Continue to have a dense downtown calendar on our website and our newsletter maintains a vast audience every week with continual gains in interest.

Two videos were produced for the DTR Market. One for Vendor Recruitment and another for promoting the market season. Another video is currently in production for promoting the upcoming Frisco Festival.

The DTR Market was moved to the new plaza so we no longer have access to the building. As a result we had to drop the brunch program.

Started a vendor resource page on our website. We send weekly emails to the vendors and speak to them individually at every market. This is very important for getting know them and their needs.

DTR market has nearly 50 vendors, averaging about 30 in attendance each Saturday, May-October. Many vendors have stated that their sales have been twice to even three times what they have been at the old location.

On track for exceeding our goal of tripling the number of sponsors and partners we work with this year. Right now, we have more than double the organizations and businesses than last year.

Surpassed our goal of doubling last year’s sponsor and partner value with over $120K in monetary and in-kind support so far.

MID -YE AR REP O RT

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NEW MEMBERS | May 2021 2ND STREET OUTPOST AND FOOD TRUCK

HATFIELD PROPERTIES

ARVEST BANK - REGIONAL AIRPORT BLVD.

IMAGEWORKS COMMERCIAL INTERIORS

BUFFINGTON HOMES OF ARKANSAS - EVENING STAR ESTATES (COMING SOON)

ONPOINT SOLUTIONS LLC

702 N. 2ND ST. | ROGERS, AR (479) 936-4892 | 2NDSTOUTPOST.COM SPORTING GOODS - CLOTHING - TOYS

100 S.W. REGIONAL AIRPORT BLVD. | BENTONVILLE, AR (479) 271-3090 | WWW.ARVEST.COM BANKS AND BANKING ASSOCIATIONS

BENTONVILLE, AR (479) 251-1106 | BUFFINGTONHOMESAR.COM/EVENING-STAR/ REAL ESTATE - DEVELOPERS AND INVESTORS

BUFFINGTON HOMES OF ARKANSAS - SAVANNAH ESTATES

5806 WEST SAGE DR. | ROGERS, AR (417) 319-8088 | BUFFINGTONHOMESAR.COM/COMMUNITIES/SAVANNAH-ESTATES/ REAL ESTATE - DEVELOPERS AND INVESTORS

FRANCHOICE

600 GALA CIR. | BENTONVILLE, AR (812) 298-6204 | WWW.FRANCHOICE.COM BUSINESS BROKERS

GENERATIONS BANK - BENTONVILLE

600 S.W. 41ST ST. | BENTONVILLE, AR (479) 268-7300 | WWW.MYGENERATIONS.BANK/ BANKS AND BANKING ASSOCIATIONS

GREENWOOD GEARHART

4100 S GRAND AVE. BUILDING B. STE. 121 | ROGERS, AR (479) 521-5353 | WWW.GREENWOODGEARHART.COM FINANCIAL & FINANCIAL ADVISORS

GROW BOLD, LLC DBA: CENTER STAGE

132 HUNTSVILLE ROAD | EUREKA SPRINGS, AR (785) 493-4791 | WWW.CENTERSTAGEEUREKA.COM BANQUET - MEETING ROOMS

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3070 S CHAMPIONS DR., STE. 101 | ROGERS, AR (479) 619-6334 REAL ESTATE - DEVELOPERS AND INVESTORS

653 W. DICKSON STREET | FAYETTEVILLE, AR (501) 904-7831 | WWW.GOIMAGEWORKS.ORG FURNITURE

P.O. BOX 1228 | FAYETTEVILLE, AR (479) 236-6169 | WWW.ONPOINTSOLUTIONSNWA.COM CONSULTING - BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT

PINNACLE GROVES BY ABBY SENIOR LIVING 5272 & 5274 WEST NORTHGATE ROAD | ROGERS, AR (479) 662-2149 | WWW.PINNACLEGROVES.COM RETIREMENT LIVING - ASSISTED OR INDEPENDENT

RED BARN DONUTS

447 W. HUDSON RD. | ROGERS, AR (479) 621-6233 | WWW.NWADONUTS.COM RESTAURANTS - FAST FOOD

SUMMIT TRUCK GROUP

807 S. BLOOMINGTON ST. | LOWELL, AR (479) 770-1200 | WWW.SUMMITTRUCKGROUP.COM TRUCKING TRANSPORT SERVICES

TRAVERSE GROUP INC.

718 N. 2ND ST., STE. 103 | ROGERS, AR (479) 202-5353 | LEGACYRETAIL.COM CONSULTING - RETAIL

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS | May 2021 30+ YEARS

AT&T - 75 years Central United Methodist Church - 59 years Bob Maloney Collision - 56 years Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure & Thompson, P.A. - 41 years New Hope Animal Hospital - 32 years Vantine, Barrett & VanWinkle CPA’s, PLLC - 32 years WSP Inc. Packaging & Distribution Specialists - 32 years

21-30 YEARS

Arkansas Support Network Credit Counseling of Arkansas (CCOA) DesignWorks Mathias Properties, Inc. McGriff Insurance Services New Hope Boarding & Grooming New Image Dental Judge John Scott Wittenberg, Delony & Davidson

11-20 YEARS

Advanced Telecom Group Aldi, Inc. Arkansas Self Storage, LLC Baldwin & Shell Construction Co. Bentonville Glass Inc. Brown’s Collision Center Camp Bow Wow Casey Lock & Key, Inc. Cross Church Pinnacle Hills The Friendly Bookstore Geary Engineering P.A. Green Acres Assisted Living, Inc. Hull Dermatology & Aesthetics Information Solutions Team, LLC Lewis & Clark Outfitters N.O.S.S. Inc./In-N-Out Screening Services, Inc. Ozark Guidance Peace Lutheran Church QualChoice of Arkansas Reb Lobster The Rose Antique Mall & Flea Market State Farm Insurance - Bryan Lewis Towneplace Suites by Marriott Wachter Inc. WealthPath Investment Advisors

6-10 YEARS

Belle Journee Spa Clark Contractors, LLC Cracker Barrel Restaurant Del Monte Foods, Inc. Designsteins Edafio Tecnology Partners Enterprise Rent-A-Car Equity Bank First Watch Martinez Law Firm, PLLC The Promenade Apartments at Pinnacle Hills Village on the Park Rogers Whispering Hills Cabins, LLC Workmatters Zaxby’s

2-5 YEARS

Arkie Apparel Bank of America Merrill Lynch Bookkeeper Plus, LLC Business and Industry Training Comfort Systems USA (Arkansas), Inc. Fresh Harvest Tasting Room House Inc @ Thrive Real Estate Java Dudes Coffee Company LaborMAX Staffing Miles Partnership Ozark Axe House Printova Signs & Graphics Profile by Sanford Raising Cane’s Ridgepointe Townhouses, LLC Rogers Experimental House, Inc. Saint Andrew’s Episcopal Church Salmonsen Group Realtors Screenmobile of Northwest Arkansas Shiloh Technologies T-Mobile Wheelhouse Real Estate Management Woodland Research Northwest

1 YEAR

Paradox Retail Riviana Foods Taqueria Real Jacona

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Many Thanks to Our 1st & 2nd Quarter Sponsors 99TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION

Presenting Hachem Investments, LLC Hunt Ventures Sam’s Furniture Walmart | Sam’s Club Diamond Tyson Foods, Inc. Reception Cherokee Casino & Hotel Program Arkansas Blue Welcome Center Central Research, Inc. Ritter Communications Gold Assembled Products Corporation Black Hills Energy CEI Engineering Associates Crafton Tull Garver Glad Manufacturing Landmark PLC, Certified Public Accountants Tucker’s Furniture & Appliances Silver AEP Southwestern Electric Power/ SWEPCO Arvest Bank Benchmark Group Cushman & Wakefield I Sage Partners First National Bank of NWA Hight Jackson Associates, P.A. McClelland Consulting Engineers Nabholz Construction Regions Bank United Bank Bronze Carroll Electric First Security Bank Frazier Law Firm, PLC Grand Saving Bank Milestone Construction Company Moser Corporation NWACC Foundation Olsson Rogers Insurance Agency SERVPRO Showcase Trophies & Awards United Federal Credit Union Watkins, Boyer, Gray & Curry, PLLC Restaurant Partners Chick-Fil-A Pleasant Grove Crabby’s Seafood Bar & Grill JJ’s Grill Moe’s Southwestern Grill Tacos 4 Life Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux

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C h a m b e r Vo i ce | J U LY 2 02 1

2021 ACADEMIC AWARDS CEREMONIES

Gold American Electric Power Foundation Lifetouch National School Studios Bronze Arkansas State Teachers Association Buck Foundation Chick-Fil-A of Tuscany Square & Pinnacle Glad Manufacturing Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette SERVPRO

2021 EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

Presenting Arkansas State Teachers Association SERVPRO Gold Celebrate Arkansas Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Bronze Glad Manufacturing

AMBASSADOR COMMITTEE Ribbon Cutting First National Bank

ART ON THE BRICKS ARTWALK

Presenting Geico NW Arkansas Partner Tyson Foods Live Music Java Dudes Coffee Company Pel-Freez Biologicals Art Sustainers Ozark Regional Transit Rogers Experimental House Woodridge Interactive Destination Visit Rogers Community Partner Arvest Bank Live Music Java Dudes Coffee Company Print Media CitiScapes Magazine Minuteman Press Media KNWA/Fox 24 Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

BENTON COUNTY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Host Embassy Suites Northwest Arkansas – Hotel, Spa & Convention Center Co-Sponsor Lamar Advertising Company Signage Minuteman Press

BENTON COUNTY LEGISLATIVE FORUM

Presenting AEP Southwestern Electric Power/ SWEPCO Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce AT&T Black Hills Energy COX Communications Tyson Foods Visit Bentonville Walmart Signage Printova Signs & Graphics

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

Presenting Citizens Bank Gold Cherokee Casino & Hotel TLC Properties Host Pinnacle Nutrition – April Hachem Investments, LLC One Uptown – June

CENTRAL REFERRAL

Presenting Printova Signs & Graphics Host Mark Barron LegalShield/ID Shield – January Harpwater Company – February Equity Business Solutions, LLC – March Minuteman Press – April Reiki Institute – May Business Builder Leadership Coaching – June

CHAMBER 2 COMMUNITY

Presenting COX Media Community Builder Black Hills Energy Signage Printova Signs & Graphics

CHAMBER PICNIC

Host Andy’s Frozen Custard Arkansas Blue Welcome Center Arvest Bank Beaver Water District Central Research, Inc. Central States Manufacturing, Inc. Culligan of Northwest Arkansas Discover Lowell First Baptist Church of Lowell First Security Bank First Tee of Northwest Arkansas GoGo Squeez Hartley Flooring NWA Easy Storage Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper Bottling Company Pafford Medical Services Food Golden Corral Harps Food Store #228 Entertainment avad3 Event Production Signage Printova Signs & Graphics

CHAMBER TUTORIAL

Meeting Landmark PLC – May Breakfast Janes Insurance & Brokerage

COFFEE CONNECTION

Presenting 7 Brew Coffee Primrose Retirement Communities Host Primrose Retirement Communities – March 7 Brew Coffee – April Hartley Flooring – April Golden Corral – May Moser Corporation – June Signage Minuteman Press

DOWNTOWN ROGERS INC.

2021 DTR Inc. Partners CEI Engineering Associates, Inc. Deep Roots Health Center Sign Studio Tyson Foods

Many Thanks to Our 1st & 2nd Quarter Sponsors DTR MARKET

Title Nabholz Construction Presenting T-Mobile Season New Hope Animal Hospital Market Supporters The RoArk Group SubieGurus Auto Service Big-Bot Design Market Friends Java Dudes Coffee Company Pel-Freez Market Allies Honeycomb Kitchen Shop Woodridge Interactive Media Celebrate Arkansas iHeart Media KFSM TV-5

FIRST LEADERSHIP Presenting Arvest Bank

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE Partner Tyson Foods Meeting Cox Communications Crafton Tull

HUSTLE IN HEELS – LADIES LEAD NWA

Education Black Hills Energy GoGo Squeez Signage Printova Signs & Graphics

K2J CONNECT

Gold Glad Manufacturing Silver Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette SERVPRO

LARGE INDUSTRY COUNCIL

Presenting BancorpSouth BHC Insurance SERVPRO Meeting Landmark PLC – June OneDigital Health and Benefits – March and June

LEADERSHIP BENTON COUNTY

Presenting Arvest Bank Black Hills Energy Northwest Arkansas National Airport Simmons Foods

LENS SERIES – MICROAGGRESSIONS & UNCONSCIOUS BIAS WORKSHOP Partner Tyson Foods Community Catalysts American Electric Power Foundation COX Media

NWA EMERGING LEADERS

SPOTLIGHT SERIES – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ROUNDTABLE

TEE OFF AT TOPGOLF

Presenting Ritter Communications Gold Crafton Tull Host Benchmark Group CEI Engineering Associate, Inc. Media Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Presenting Choctaw Casino & Resort Hole In One Bekaert Corporation Bay AEP Southwestern Electric Power/ SWEPCO BHC Insurance CEI Engineering Associates, Inc. Celebrate Arkansas First National Bank of NWA First Security Bank SERVPRO TLC Properties

Partner Tyson Foods Connect Black Hills Energy Signage Printova Signs & Graphics

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS EMPLOYMENT SHOWCASE

Presenting Careers NWA Co-Sponsor iHeart Media Gold Job Guide Community Partner Visit Roger Media KFSM TV-5 Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Pinnacle Media

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE QUARTER Award Showcase Trophies & Awards

SMILE AWARDS

Presenting Arvest Bank

SPANISH SEMINAR SERIES

Presenting Beaver Water District First Security Bank Media Univision Arkansas Event Arkansas Blue Welcome Center Job Guide Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Signage Printova Signs & Graphics

Presented by

Welcome Teachers Back to School!

This is our sixth annual event that celebrates local teachers who are making a big difference in the world.

Teachers give our children so much and use their classrooms as the first steps in educating the next generation of workforce that will keep our businesses and our community thriving well into the future. Though we can never thank them enough, this event is an opportunity to let them know how much we appreciate all that they do.

We are unable to meet in person, so the Chamber will take the event to the teachers!

You can participate in three ways:

1) Purchase a space in the Parade & donate promotional items to be included in Teacher Goodie Bags 2) Donate a gift card or prize (valued at $50 or more) to be awarded to a deserving teacher 3) Sponsor the Parade

Learn More at RogersLowell.com and sign up to participate today!

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33

The Voice of Business

We’re bringing in the new year as the premiere advocacy organization for business and we take our leadership role of being the Keeper of the Community Vision and Voice of Business seriously.

Chamber Voice of Business Blog

This online channel connects you to relevant and compelling content from subject matter experts (SMEs) across Northwest Arkansas. Chamber team and guest writers deliver information related to their professional expertise on a variety of topics. We welcome your ideas for feature blog articles.

ROGERSLOWELL.COM/BLOG/

Chamber Voice of Business Podcast

Listen to episodes of our podcast while you’re on the go. It covers topics of regional and statewide interest, current events, and legislative events as well as interviews with community leaders, elected officials, newsmakers, community/economic developers and more.

Chamber Voice of Business Newsletter

Our monthly newsletter tells the stories you really need to know about the Chamber’s mission, news, programming, members, and community partners. Features include regular sections like the Small Business Corner, Focus on Community, Focus on Industry, Focus on Small Business, and Workforce Development along with a list of new members, ribbon cutting photos and a Quick Reference Calendar for upcoming events

ISSUU.COM/RLACC

Chamber Voice of Business Video

Catch up quickly on the Chamber’s news stories by watching online videos delivered in three categories: mission-based focus areas, Chamber events coverage and member spotlights/testimonials.

YOUTUBE.COM/USER/ROGERSLOWELLCHAMBER 34

C h a m b e r Vo i ce | J U LY 2 02 1

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.

SPECIAL NOTE** | Participants of Events, Meetings & Gatherings As Northwest Arkansas gets back to business, the safety of our staff and our community is the number one priority. We want to ensure you that we take public health very seriously. In compliance with the health directives and guidelines issued by Governor Asa Hutchinson and the Arkansas Department of Health, we are taking the necessary steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect those of high risk.

With this in mind, see some of our events below with requirements for in-person attendance or notes about ways to attend virtually. Be sure to check RogersLowell.com, review our eNewsletters (Monday Memo and Calendar at a Glance), and follow us on social media for updates about our events and meetings as well as developments that might affect business in Northwest Arkansas.

JUL

Every Wednesday

13

PRESENTED BY | PRINTOVA SIGNS & GRAPHICS JULY HOST SPONSOR | NORTHWEST ARKANSAS

PRESENTED BY |

LOCATION | Golden Corral ADDRESS | 2605 W Pleasant Crossing Dr., Rogers

LOCATION | Arkansas Blue Welcome Center 4602 W. Walnut St. | Rogers, AR 72756

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

7 BREW COFFEE & PRIMROSE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES JULY HOST SPONSOR | ARKANSAS BLUE WELCOME CENTER

JUL

15

PRESENTED BY | CITIZENS BANK JULY HOST SPONSOR | PINNACLE HEIGHTS APARTMENTS LOCATION | Pinnacle Heights Apartments 5100 W. Park Ave. | Rogers, AR 72758

WHENEVER. WHEREVER. YOUR MOST WATCHED MORNING TEAM

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THE FUTURE OF NEWS HAS ARRIVED Join the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Digital Replica Program and experience the newspaper every day on an iPad that’s included in your subscription at no extra cost.*

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