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Who We Are

from 2023 Bentonville Welcome Guide & Business Directory

from 2023 Bentonville Welcome Guide & Business Directory, page 72

CHAMBER BUSINESS DIRECTORY

The Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce has played a vital role in the community and economic development of Northwest Arkansas for nearly a century. The Bentonville Chamber was formed in 1926 and became the Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce in 1979. The name changed to Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce in 2017.

As the premier advocacy organization for business, the Chamber works daily to promote a healthy, vibrant economy while protecting and advancing the interests of our members and the community as a whole. We work in conjunction with residents, businesses and our educational and governmental partners to improve

Professional Staff

Ashley Wardlow

Interim President & CEO

Sherry Rolsma

Vice President, Member Engagement and Events

James Bell

Vice President, Economic Development

Kris Adams

Director, Northwest Arkansas Technology Summit

Judy Griffin

Director, Member Engagement

Valerie Spaink

Director, Community Development and Education

Allison Chase

Director, First Impressions and Facilities Manager their quality of life, and we are very active in business expansion efforts. We bring businesses together to collectively accomplish what no business professional can achieve alone.

The Chamber is an independent, nonprofit business organization representing the Bentonville area communities. It aligns itself with more than 1,100 businesses in the area. It’s governed by a 16-member board of directors, representing the wide range of businesses among the organization’s membership. The board meets regularly to discuss infrastructure, business development, community improvement, education and civic issues. The Chamber is operated by a staff of seven (not by the city, county or state), and is a member of the Arkansas State Chamber and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber proactively supports education and workforce development, striving to create a healthy and vibrant ecosystem that welcomes and supports entrepreneurs and startup businesses. It works closely with the Northwest Arkansas Council to focus on economic development, infrastructure and community vitality, and offers a wide variety of educational and networking opportunities. The Chamber works with government officials and lawmakers at the local, county, state and national levels to represent the needs of our business community.