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June 2020 | Vol 15 Issue 6
Getting Back to Business
Whether in times of prosperity or times of crisis, your Chamber is leading the
way, making sure we emerge stronger, together. From the very beginning of
this crisis we’ve been there for you providing essential resources for COVID-19
information and guidelines. Now, it’s time to help you with the essentials of
safely getting back to business in Northwest Arkansas.
#WeMeanBusiness
See Story on Page 4
W HAT ’ S IN TH IS I SSUE ?
3 ��������� Chamber Staff & Board of Directors
4 ��������� Getting Back to Business | Business Playbook
5 ��������� Getting Back to Business | Educational & Marketing Opportunities
8 ���������Small Businesses Finding Success with Creative Entrepreneurism
12 ������ COVID-19 Clouds Are Forming on the Horizon for the Governor and Legislators as
Regular Session Looms
13������ Members Helping Members | Sale Helps Members Secure PPE for Reopening
14 ����� Chamber Celebrates Economic Development Week by Recognizing Businesses
15 �����Membership Tips | How to Submit Member News
16 ����� Business and Community Partnerships Providing Pathways to Careers
18 ����� Shop Local. Support Local. Travel Local.
19 �����#WeMeanBusiness Campaign Promotes How to Do Business with Member Businesses
22 ����Census 2020 | Have You Been Counted?
22 ����New Members | April 2020
24 ����Membership Renewals | April 2020
24 ����Annual Chamber Picnic June 12 | Be Our Guest!
25 ���� Chamber Networking & Educational Events
Rogers-Lowell Area
Chamber of Commerce
317 West Walnut Street
Rogers, Arkansas 72756
P: (479) 636-1240 F: (479) 636-5485
2 C h a m b e r Vo i ce | J U N E 2 02 0
CHA M BE R S TAFF
Raymond Burns, CCE Jon Moran Jeff O’Neill Ronnie Webb, Jr.
President/CEO Senior Vice President Director of Special Events Destination Sales Manager |
rburns@rogerslowell.com of Government Affairs jeff@rogerslowell.com Visit Rogers
jon@rogerslowell.com ronnie@rogerslowell.com
J.R. Shaw, IOM Vickie Grotts, IOM Loretta Gomez Justin Freeman
Executive Director/Executive Vice President of Finance Manager Marketing Communications
Vice President | Visit Rogers Accounting & Finance loretta@rogerslowell.com Specialist
jr@rogerslowell.com vickie@rogerslowell.com justin@rogerslowell.com
Katie Burns Geovanny Sarmiento Sheree Barnes Ike Reichenbach
Vice President Vice President of Community Operations Manager | DTR Market Manager |
of Operations Engagement & Inclusion Downtown Rogers, Inc. Downtown Rogers, Inc.
katie@rogerslowell.com geovanny@rogerslowell.com sheree@rogerslowell.com ike@rogerslowell.com
Shelle Summers, IOM Karen Wagaman Jacque Eakins Lance Lloyd
Senior Vice President Vice President of Account Executive Community Relations Manager
of Membership Services Downtown Development jacque@rogerslowell.com lance@rogerslowell.com
ssummers@rogerslowell.com karen@rogerslowell.com
Steve Cox Ross Phillips Marni Rogers, IOM Luz Palmerin
Senior Vice President Vice President of Member Relations Manager Sales & Marketing Coordinator |
of Economic Development Community Development marni@rogerslowell.com Visit Rogers
steve@rogerslowell.com ross@rogerslowell.com luz@rogerslowell.com
Brad Phillips Shey Bland Kelly Parker, TMP Ashley Matsumura
Senior Vice President Executive Director | Marketing Communications Customer Relations Manager
of Marketing Communications Downtown Rogers, Inc. Manager | Visit Rogers ashley@rogerslowell.com
brad@rogerslowell.com shey@rogerslowell.com kelly@rogerslowell.com
Nick Smith Luke Wiggins
Creative Services Director Meetings & Conventions Sales
nick@rogerslowell.com Manager | Visit Rogers
luke@rogerslowell.com
B OARD OF DIREC TORS
Executive Committee 2020 Directors 2021 Directors 2022 Directors
Chairman of the Board | Angie Tucker-Ridley, Leah Acoach, FHB Ventures Tom Allen, Cushman & Wakefield | Sage Partners Kristen Boozman, Portfolio Sotheby’s
Tucker’s Furniture & Appliances Danny Beck, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Ron Branscum, Arvest Bank International Realty
Chairman-Elect | Jeff Milford, AEP/SWEPCO Joe Donaldson, Sam’s Furniture David Kimball, Benchmark Group Dean Fisher, Glad Manufacturing, Inc.
Treasurer | Erin Kiefer, Assembled Products Brad Hicks, J.B. Hunt Transport Inc. Jerra Nalley, Runway Angela Grayson, Precipice IP
Past Chairman | Greg Fogle, Nabholz Construction Mike Power, First Security Bank Tanya Smith, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Denten Park, Northwest Health
President/CEO | Raymond Burns David Vaden, Ernst & Young LLP Melissa Turpin, Honeycomb Kitchen Shop Curt Stamp, Cox Business
RIDC President | Jerry Vest, Regions Bank Knight Weis, Signature Bank of Arkansas
Ex-Officio Directors
Daizy Andrade, University of Arkansas David Faulkner, Pinnacle Hills Promenade Corry Hull, OneDigital Health and Benefits Eric Pianalto, Mercy of Northwest Arkansas
Dr. Marlin Berry, Rogers Public Schools Cathy Foraker, AT&T Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson, Northwest Arkansas Chris Sultemeier, Retired Walmart
Jerry Carmichael, 3C Retail Solutions David Foster, APAC-Central, Inc. Community College Stennett Thompkins, AAA Insurance
Ever Cuellar, First Security Bank Ron Hayes, First United Methodist Church Peter Lane, Walton Arts Center Dick Trammel, Chairman Emeritus
Larry Cooper, Embassy Suites NW Arkansas Dan Hendrix, Arkansas World Trade Center Chris Moore, Mayor, City of Lowell Josh Vasquez, United Bank
Russ Daniel, McLarty Daniel Group Latricia Hill-Chandler, Arvest Bank Operations Barry Moehring, Benton County Judge Emma Willis, Mangan Holcomb Partners
Mike Dodge, Carroll Electric Coop. Corp. Greg Hines, Mayor, City of Rogers Bianca Montoya, Bike NWA Jeff Wood, Tyson Foods
Sandy Edwards, Crystal Bridges Museum Tom Hopper, TallChamps, LLC John-Michael Scurio, George’s Amiee York, Black Hills Energy
Division Chairs Audit Committee
Community Development - Leah Acoach Government Affairs - Jerry Carmichael David Vaden
Membership Services - Tanya Smith Convention & Visitors Bureau - Larry Cooper Ron Branscum
Economic Development - Tom Allen Knight Weis
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | JUNE2020 3
...Continued from Page 1
R E O P E N I N G S A F E LY |
Business
Playbook
A
s we move forward, we know you
are anxious to reopen your doors. To
ensure the safety of our community
and help you navigate this getting
back to business phase, we created the
Rogers-Lowell Area is Open for Business Playbook.
It includes many of the recommendations
developed by the Governors Economic Recovery Task Open for Business
Force, guidelines from the CDC and other federal, state PLAYBOOK
FOR REOPENIN
G YOUR BUSIN
IN THE AGE
ESS
OF COVID-19
and local agencies. This Playbook will help prepare you
to safely serve your customers and accommodate your new legislation will include liability protections. It was reported during
employees. View & Download Playbook the webinar that Governor Hutchinson’s current Executive Order 20-18
does address a lot of the issues of temporary liability protections for
Working Safely health care providers and emergency responders who are providing
There are businesses that have gone through the entirety of the medical services in support of the state’s response to the COVID-19
crisis while continuously having staff working safely at the workplace outbreak.
and successfully surviving. A common thread among these businesses Some lawsuits have been filed and more are likely to follow. The
has been making staff and customers feel safe. These businesses have defense bar has expressed four areas of concern: exposure for lawsuits
been noticeably disciplined with social distancing, sanitizing, wearing is high for business; product liability is a major concern (especially in the
masks when appropriate and honoring a “don’t show up sick” policy. meat processing and supply chain areas); medical liability is a concern for
The Chamber’s President/CEO, Raymond Burns summed it up nicely providers (especially if guidelines are not followed), and for employers
when he said, “remember, it all begins with your safety for employees there is concern if employees can prove they contracted COVID-19 on the
and it carries through to the customer.” job; and lastly, securities litigation is the fourth area of concern.
During the webinar, Robert George, Friday, Eldredge & Clark,
Safety | Liabilities & Guidelines offered up the seven best ways to position yourself against legal
In May, the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce hosted a webinar claims: follow public health guidance (comply and then some);
called COVID-19 Liability Issues for Business and discussed the need for keep up with up with your peers in the industry; use third party
new legislation for business liability protections. The sentiment is that professionals (consultants, cleaning services, etc.); document your
any protections adopted for businesses need to be timely, targeted, and practices; document your attempts to acquire materials (e.g., personal
temporary to gain passage in Congress and state legislatures. Polling protective equipment); plan now for COVID-19 outbreaks in your
suggests that 84 percent of Americans prefer some sort of lawsuit workforce; and update your leave policies so that they are specific to
protections for business. Senator McConnell has publicly declared any COVID-19 concerns.
4 C h a m b e r Vo i ce | J U N E 2 02 0
7 Ways to Position Yourself Against Claims
Follow Public Health Guidance Keep Up with Your Peers
(Comply and Then Some) in the Industry
Use Third Party Professionals Document Your Document Your Attempts to
(Consultants, Cleaning Services, Etc.) Practices Acquire Materials
(e.g., Personal Protective Equipment)
Plan Now for COVID-19 Update Your Leave Policies
Outbreaks in Your Workforce so that They are Specific to
COVID-19 Concerns
Source: Robert George | Friday, Eldredge & Clark
In late April, to focus our time and resources most effectively, we
surveyed our Members and asked them for ways that we could continue
REOPENING | assisting them during the COVID-19 Recovery Period. One survey
question asked for member feedback on topics that they wanted to
Educational
learn more about for potential webinars.
We listened and put together the C2C Back to Business NWA Series
focusing on topics dedicated to helping members get back to reopen and
get back to business. Below are links to webinars that have been recorded
& Marketing and a link to the RogersLowell.com Events Calendar to stay on top of
upcoming C2C series webinars (more are continuously being added):
Opportunities
• Creating Our Vision in 3(D)!
• Affordable Marketing Solutions with the Chamber
• Leveraging Freelancing for Small Business Growth
• Pandemic EEO Issues, Tips and Strategies
• Legal Considerations for Reopening a Business
• Update on PPP and Other Resources for Small Businesses
Chamber-to-Community (C2C) | • LinkedIn for Thought Leadership: Grow Your Network and Own
Back to Business NWA Series Your Industry
An important activity of our Chamber’s mission is convening the
Community Builders |
community to collaborate, plan and imagine together. We’re always
looking for ways to bring the right people together at the right time.
One way we do it is our Chamber-to-Community (C2C) events. C2C’s
are designed to provide opportunities for Chamber members and our
Turn the page to learn about our
community to come together for education and discussion on important
Back to Business
topics impacting the community. Marketing Kit
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | JUNE2020 5
$100 Back to Business NWA The base package also includes one premium Example Marketing Kit Package:
Marketing Kit | Available June social media marketing package - four weeks Member purchases $100 base package and
through August of social media promotion on the Chamber’s adds-on one month of eNews banner ads and a
The Chamber’s We Mean Business Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn (value of $200). half page Chamber Voice newsletter display ad.
campaign showcases Members’ stories about
getting back to business in our social media. Customize Your Marketing Kit: PRICE | The total price is calculated:
As part of this awareness-building campaign, Add On to the Base Package $100 (Base Package) + $200 (eNews) +
we are offering (June through August) special to Save up to 35% $150 (newsletter display ad) = $450
savings for members on a special package of Members who purchase the base package for
advertising and promotion tools. $100 also are eligible to choose up to three add-ons DISCOUNT | The total discount is calculated
below and earn discounts on the total Marketing Kit for a net due:
Base Package – Save $300 price depending upon how many add-ons: $450 X 25% (earned discount for 2 Add-
Starting June 1, take advantage of our Ons) = $337.50
affordable ($100) advertising and promotion 1 Add-On – Save 10% | 2 Add-Ons –
package available for a limited time (through Save 25% | 3 Add-Ons – Save 35% SAVINGS | The total savings is calculated:
August 31) to Chamber members – regularly Member saves $300 on the base package
valued at $400, it’s a savings of $300. This Kit Add-On #1 | One Month of eNews Banner Ads at the $100 price, $50 on the eNews banner
helps your business increase awareness during (Monday Memo and Calendar at a Glance on ad, $37.50 on the newsletter display ad, and
the reopening period by marketing to the Thursday) – Regular Price: $200 an additional $25 on the base package for a
Chamber’s 20,000+ social media audience. You’ll total savings of $412.50 for this customized
reach more people, faster. Add-On #2 | One Month of Chamber Voice Marketing Kit.
The Marketing Kit’s base package increases of Business Newsletter (digital) Display Download the Order Form or call us to
your reach with one Chamber Voice of Business Advertising – Regular Prices: 2-Page Spread $500; Full order your Marketing Kit now at (479) 636-1240.
Blog post promoting your business and its Page $300; and Half Page $150
reopening story (value of $200) and includes
the ability to customize your messaging with an Add-On #3 | One Month of Premium Social
embedded video (must be under one minute Media Marketing Package – Regular Price: $200
run-time and provided by you – see guidelines).
Back to Business NWA
Marketing Kit
6 C h a m b e r Vo i ce | J U N E 2 02 0
July 25, 2020
Visit RogersLowell.com w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | JUNE2020 7
Small Businesses
Finding Success
with
Entrepreneurism
Creative
LBC Studio
S
A simple storefront at 105 W. Walnut Street
provides little hint of the creativity and broad
mall business owners who are meeting reaching business activities that lie within. Like
her commercial space on the bricks of downtown
the needs of customers during a period of Rogers, Laura Coello, and her design business
social distancing, fear and uncertainty are LBC Studio, are difficult to encapsulate. She
designs lots of products and makes business
certainly earning their stripes as entrepreneurs. deals that might surprise her neighbors in the
Covid-19 is the most impactful event of a historic district. “I was attracted to downtown
Rogers for several reasons,” commented Coello.
generation and as business owners struggle to “Most importantly, as a small woman-owned
business, it is more affordable than other regions
survive, many are finding opportunities to flourish in Northwest Arkansas. And, I just love the look
with resilience, innovation, and determination. and feel of downtown Rogers.”
The Chamber’s popular social media campaign Taking Care of Business –
#WeMeanBusiness is recognizing businesses who Innovative Design
With more than 20 years of experience in
are surviving with creative entrepreneurism. Here design, branding, and product development,
are some of the stories we have discovered. Coello’s clients rely on her for new innovative
product ideas and packaging design solutions
that earn placement on the shelves and
e-commerce sites of major retailers. She provides
the latest in trends, colors, and patterns for
products that are eventually sold in big box
8 C h a m b e r Vo i ce | J U N E 2 02 0
stores. She can conceptualize a product from start Adapting to Social Distancing scheduled to hit Sam’s Club in the Fall of
to finish or work with a client to identify what The COVID-19 pandemic has not 2020. These products are among the dozens
is or is not working and make improvements to dramatically impacted her business. “For the each season that Coello designs to attract the
make it more marketable and more profitable. most part it has been business as usual since I attention of Christmas shoppers.
With dozens of products and hundreds of don’t work with the public,” explained Coello. These, as with many consumer products she
moving parts, the LBC Studio workflow can’t Her product photoshoots are probably impacted develops, Coello has been involved every step
be defined with anything less than a massive the most. “The coronavirus situation is costing of the way. She creates the designs, specifies the
flow chart. She specializes in textiles and toys everyone more time and that means more raw materials, presents samples to the buying
but works across many other categories like money.” She brings in one photographer to work teams, designs the packaging, and photographs
outdoor, housewares and even food. It takes with fewer models to ensure they have room the product for packaging and dotcom.
about six months for a single product to come to accommodate social distancing. But, having Coello’s international business operation is an
to market and there are dozens of steps to mass worked from home for 10 years, largely meeting unexpected addition to the brick lined streets
produce the products that line the walls of her with national and international clients online, her and historic buildings of downtown Rogers. “For
studio. Whether she is designing an inflatable process hasn’t changed much. me, downtown Rogers provides a charming, up
raft shaped like a giant swan to accommodate A few weeks into the Spring coronavirus and coming area to plant some creative roots,”
you and six of your closest friends or preparing a outbreak her studio looked more like Christmas. she explained. “I continue to be optimistic for
photo shoot with a fall bedding line, she makes An assortment of holiday bedding and whimsical the future of the retail industry that is thriving in
the process look seamless. plush robes with stuffed animal hoods were Northwest Arkansas and appreciate the business I
being readied for a photoshoot of product have with Walmart and Sam’s Club.”
Turn the page to see how
Resource Design
& American Estates
have gotten creative in how it does
business in the current climate
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | JUNE2020 9
Resource Design
Resource Design (Rede), an architecture and design firm based in downtown
Rogers, has been implementing creative ways to weather the disruptions of
COVID-19.
Architect Jessica Hester assumed her role as the new owner and CEO of
the almost 30 year-old firm on January 1, 2020, continuing to work with Rede’s
established portfolio of clients, and expanding the scope of Rede’s design work
by bringing on board artist Dayton Castleman as the new Director of Visual
Thinking in early March.
Adapting to Working Remotely
By mid-March, in response to the growing awareness of the impact of COVID-
19, and the measures required to fight its spread, Rede’s employees agreed to
work remotely to protect the company’s employees and clients. They adopted a
common online platform for voice, video, and text communication among their
team, while maintaining a couple of employees working at their 1st Street office
to support some of the functions that require on site work such as printing and
receiving deliveries.
While forced to lay off several employees temporarily, CARES Act/PPP
assistance allowed the firm to bring back a fully operational staff.
“It was a disorienting week to start a new job,” says Dayton. “Jessica and I
settled on my odd job title after weeks of deliberating over what you call a person
whose job is to think creatively across all dimensions of the business, and by day six
I’m working from my basement.”
“This kind of disruption was a new wrinkle for every single business, and while
our work became focused on understanding how our clients were adapting, and
on saving our team and our ship, it also allowed us to explore how we could deploy
our expertise for the benefit of our community in some unique ways.”
Making Time to Help the Community
In the first days of the shut-down Rede spearheaded a project to facilitate the
design and fabrication of clear acrylic “aerosol boxes” intended to provide an added
layer of protection for healthcare workers during the process of intubation.
The project was supported by Mercy Hospital and benefitted from technical
assistance through the Amazeum. With donated fabrication, assembly, and delivery
assistance from The RoArk Group, and fiscal sponsorship by Rogers Experimental
House to administer donations from area individuals and businesses (First
Presbyterian Church of Bentonville, Bailey and Oliver Law Firm Rogers, BNSF Logistics
Springdale), the project was able to distribute 85 boxes to hospitals and healthcare
facilities in Arkansas at no cost to the recipient institutions, covering the entire
regional Mercy Hospital system, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Conway Regional, and
Ozark Community Hospital, as well as the Rogers Fire Department EMT units.
They have continued their community-focused work with a project to provide
protective interaction screens for area businesses looking for customized passive
protection for their customers and employees. Using what they have learned working
with hospitals, their goal is to provide custom-designed safety equipment to area
businesses that give an added layer of protection while interfering as little as possible
with customer service.
They are also shaping an initiative to provide pro bono architecture and design
work for projects either on hold because of COVID-19, or for businesses working to
make space modifications to increase customer and employee safety in the era of
this pandemic.
10 C h a m b e r Vo i ce | J U N E 2 02 0American Estates hours and began an increased number of homes of both new and existing clients. “People
Niki and Jesse Weegens, co-owners emails and phone calls with their clients. Using have been spending more time at home than
of American Estates, are makers of original proper precautions, they also offer one-on-one ever before, and they are keenly aware of their
furniture using wood harvested in Arkansas. appointments with clients in their showroom surroundings,” reflected Niki. “It’s been incredibly
They have a manufacturing facility in Lowell and in the historic building at 103 W. Walnut meaningful to be able to help provide functional
a showroom in downtown Rogers. Each piece Street. Additionally, they took this opportunity relief and excitement to families who are facing
of furniture is crafted by hand with premium provided by the COVID-19 pandemic to launch so much change and uncertainty in these days.”
materials and a careful attention to detail. One their online store at www.theamericanestates. Commercial clients are also making needed
of the things that sets them apart is they work com/shop. The new website is their first step updates to their spaces while they are finding
directly with customers to choose the perfect into e-commerce. time to focus on different aspects of operating.
details for their space, and customize all aspects During the COVID 19 pandemic, Nikki and
of a project – the design, dimensions, materials, Discovering New Jesse Weegens have loved seeing the community
finish, and all the final details. Product Opportunities come together to support local businesses during
The reduction of hours in their showroom this crazy time. “It has been refreshing to see the
Rethinking How to Do Business did not mean a reduction in business, however. increase in appreciation and mindfulness for
Like many other local businesses, the They have had a new opportunity to build small businesses, and we couldn’t be prouder to
Weegens had to abandon their normal store furniture that adds function and beauty to the be part of this amazing community!”
Do you have a story of creative entrepreneurism during the COVID-19 pandemic? Let us hear from
you so we can help tell your story and help the community learn how to do business with you.
Contact Us at www.RogersLowell.com/forms/contact-us or email Justin@RogersLowell.com so we can tell your story.
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | JUNE2020 11COVID-19 Clouds Are
Forming on the Horizon
for the Governor
and Legislators
as Regular Session Looms
T
here have been 46 governors of Arkansas, and most of the last regular legislative session of his time as governor. Hutchinson
them entered the office with bold visions and legislative has been successful in his tenure and has served the people of
agendas to make the state of Arkansas a better place Arkansas well. Like many governors before him, Asa Hutchinson has
for its residents. However, many governors of Arkansas also arrived at the crossroads of his own long and storied political
have found that those bold visons and agendas were career. Time and circumstance have arrived to present COVID-19 for
completely altered by time and circumstance. Politics is an institution him and the members of the General Assembly with their “moment”.
that is dictated by the tyranny of the moment, and many governors
have risen to respond to their “moments”, with time and its passing Budgetary Issues Forming
serving as the ultimate judge of their actions. There is no arguing that the state budget will be impacted by the
On April 23, 2013, Governor Mike Beebe signed the Arkansas state’s response to the COVID-19 virus. To what extent that impact will
Medicaid Expansion Act into law. The new law was known as the “Private be felt remains to be seen, but most legislative observers will agree that
Option” and served as a model of bipartisan legislation for the rest of it is going to be substantial. The long streak, in which revenues for the
the country to follow. It was passed during the last regular legislative state have exceeded forecasts, has ended abruptly. As a response to the
session of Governor Beebe’s long and storied career in state government. pandemic, the state has already spent down the bulk of its accumulated
Although he had not planned on it, the Private Option would serve as surplus during a special session held in February. In the next session,
Mike Beebe’s legacy and crowning achievement as Governor. State Agencies will likely have to identify cost-saving measures in their
In January of 2021, Governor Asa Hutchinson will also be facing budgets, which will affect the services that they provide.
12 C h a m b e r Vo i ce | J U N E 2 02 0To continue the prosperity that
Northwest Arkansas has enjoyed for Members Helping Members |
so long, the business community will
be working with our legislators to keep
those hard-fought-for tax reforms in
Sale Helps
place, while championing legislation
and sound fiscal policies that will lead
Members
to more population growth and job
expansion in Northwest Arkansas.
Secure PPE for
A Special Session?
Reopening
Liability issues that are influencing business are driving the early
discussion among legislators for the governor to issue an Executive
Order and call for a special session to pass some form of liability
protections from an onslaught of litigation for health care providers and
businesses owners. At the time of this writing, chances are 50/50 that
the governor will call a special session. If he does, it will be up to him to
decide what issues are placed in the call for legislators to consider.
Business Will Be Impacted
As the legislature meets again this time next year, there is some
concern in the business community that the tax reforms passed in
the 2019 legislative session could possibly be delayed because of the
financial situation the state finds itself. Measures to cut the corporate
income tax, to implement the single-sales factor, and extend the “net
operating loss carry forward” were measures that served as the core
of the recommendations proposed by the Tax Reform Task Force that
met in the interim before the last regular session. The Chamber will be
monitoring this situation closely and be working next session to keep
these much-needed tax reforms in place.
An Unprecedented Time?
The Arkansas economy has not seen a sudden jolt of this
magnitude since the Great Depression. At the time Arkansas entered
the Great Depression, it was a mostly poor and rural state, and Benton
County was one of the poorest counties in one of the poorest states in Pictured is Joe Papczynski (right), long-time Chamber member
the country. Now it’s almost a century later, and Arkansas may still be representing Go Brands, who organized a PPE (Personal Protective
considered a rural state, but it has made great strides economically, Equipment) sale May 16-17 at the Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall.
and Benton County is now the wealthiest county in Arkansas and A portion of the product was donated to Kent Eikenberry (left) and
serves as the epicenter of one of the fastest growing regional the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, receiving more than $2,000 worth of
economies in the country. hand sanitizer and masks because of the sale.
To continue the prosperity that Northwest Arkansas has enjoyed The purpose of this sale was to get badly needed PPE to
for so long, the business community will be working with our legislators businesses that are reopening in Northwest Arkansas. Hundreds of
to keep those hard-fought-for tax reforms in place, while championing businesses and individuals showed up to buy supplies and support the
legislation and sound fiscal policies that will lead to more population Food Bank. Additional product is available by calling Joe for orders or
growth and job expansion in Northwest Arkansas. refills at (479) 263-8441.
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | JUNE2020 13Chamber Celebrates
Economic Development Week
by Recognizing Businesses
A
rkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson proclaimed the
first week of May as Economic Development Week Economic Development Week
in Arkansas. The week also coincided with National
Travel and Tourism Week. Chambers, cities, and travel
Featured Small Businesses
and tourism professionals across the state united to
Komodo Modern Asian Cuisine
celebrate the value that tourism and a strong economy bring for our
businesses and personal wellbeing. The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber
NU Marketing
of Commerce and Visit Rogers mission work (economic development Walker Brothers
and destination marketing) goes hand-in-hand to establish a vibrant, Beautiful Lives Boutique
thriving community. House Inc./Thrive Real Estate
As part of celebrating Economic Development Week, the Chamber Joe Thielen Insurance Agency
reached out to members and highlighted those who wanted to
American Estates
participate in a social media campaign recognizing the impact their
Honeycomb Kitchen Shop
businesses have on our region’s history and economy. Many of these
posts were also shared on social media by Visit Rogers to promote the
Level 5 Architecture
strong tourism destination that our community has become. Tie 1 On
In total, the social media campaign’s posts accumulated more than ASAP For Social Media
70,000 people reached and amassed more than 60,000 impressions with Little Sunshine’s Playhouse & Pre-school
nearly 10,000 engagements. Hotworx
View a full list of businesses highlighted during Economic
Natural State Beer Co.
Development Week on the Chamber Voice of Business Blog at
Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Café
RogersLowell.com/Blog.
Andy’s Frozen Custard
About Your Chamber Hook Line & Sinker
We are a nonprofit business and community development Kwik Kar Center
organization serving Rogers, Lowell, and all of Northwest Arkansas. Samaritan Community Center
While we work in close partnership with the city governments in Rogers Arkie Apparel
and Lowell, we are a private entity and not a government agency.
Fish City Grill
Working with our members, partners and investors, together we are the
Bolder Coffee
trusted source for growing our region’s business, activating high-impact
leaders and building a strong and diverse community. Ultimately, we
PIXEL: A School For Media Arts
help create a cohesive and connected community where people want to Watkins, Boyer, Gray & Curry, PLLC
visit, live, invest, work, and play. Liberty Title & Escrow
Learn more about our Vision. Mission and Values. CRD Real Estate & Development
14 C h a m b e r Vo i ce | J U N E 2 02 0MEMBE RS H I P TI PS |
How to Submit
Member News
D
id you know you can send your press releases or share
important news about your organizations through the
3)
My Chamber member portal? Let us help you spread
the word! Submissions will be included on the Members
News page and promoted Chamber’s in the Chamber’s
social media.
1) Log into My Chamber Login
at www.rogerslowell.com.
2) Login with your new
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3) Find Advertising section and click on submit link
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w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | JUNE2020 15Business and Community
Partnerships Providing
Pathways to Careers
T
he Rogers Public Schools initiated had just been “launched” and students were
the Career Launch Work-Ready The early school closures beginning the programs. With new guidelines
program in February of this
year. The goal of program is to
and pandemic guidelines in response to the pandemic, on-line instruction
quickly replaced on-site teaching and learning,
provide opportunities for students established new landmarks including the certification and training
to participate in certification and training
programs that would prepare them for careers
for how education and programs. With determination to continue the
Career Launch Work-Ready program for the
following high school graduation. The program learning would continue students, planning and work began to re-design
is designed for current seniors and 2019
graduates who will soon begin new jobs and
during the remaining of the the formats of the certification courses and
trainings to ensure compliance with emerging
careers. The twenty-seven certification and school year. guidelines related to the pandemic.
training programs were purposely selected to
align with employment and workforce needs to begin the certification and training programs Partnerships with Local Business and
within the Rogers community and Northwest they had selected, each of which would bring Industry Strengthen
Arkansas region. them one step closer to a job and career. The Working collaboratively with local business
news of the COVID-19 pandemic would soon and industry partners throughout March and
COVID-19 Changes change the educational landscape for students, April, new program designs emerged, and
Educational Landscape teachers, parents and the community. The partnerships grew stronger each day. The
By the end of February, over 50 students early school closures and pandemic guidelines connection between education and industry
had registered for the certification and training established new landmarks for how education had become more evident and meaningful in
programs that were scheduled to begin on and learning would continue during the the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. History is
March 1, 2020. With high school graduation just remaining of the school year. filled with stories of amazing accomplishments
a couple months away, students were anxious The Career Launch Work-Ready program that have come from people working together
16 C h a m b e r Vo i ce | J U N E 2 02 0to overcome adversity. And so…this article is Systems and other trainings at the Business care industries. Katie has been a valuable
dedicated to those that have helped make the and Industry Training Center. The director liaison among the local trade industry and the
certification courses and trainings possible for of the center, Julie McAllister, has been very students who are seeking employment with
our students. helpful in providing the students training local companies.
sessions that would accommodate each
Petra Allied Health student’s schedule. She has also secured seats FANUC Robotic Training
and Medical College in upcoming trainings for the students to The Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce
Petra Allied Health and Medical College will provide them additional skills and knowledge and NorthWest Arkansas Community College
provide online Certified Nurse’s Assistant (CNA), that will be beneficial as they seek employment will continue to provide the FANUC Robotic
Phlebotomy Technician and Veterinary Assistant with local trade industries. Training to students this summer. Students will
courses for our students. Renee Anderson and have the opportunity to obtain FANUC industry
Joshua Anderson have worked diligently over NWA Construction Safety, Inc. | certification in reduced class size settings
the past month to design an online platform for OSHA-10 Training at the Northwest Arkansas Robotic Training
the courses that students would have access to NWA Construction Safety, Inc. has Center in Fayetteville.
from home or off-site locations. They have been provided OSHA-10 training to over two The Rogers Public Schools would like to
tremendous partners and have expressed a hundred students in the Rogers Public Schools express its sincere appreciation and gratitude
commitment to helping the students complete during the 2019-2020 school year. Owner, Katie to their business and industry partners for their
the courses and certification assessments over McCarty, will offer the OSHA-10 and OSHA-30 continued support and assistance as they navigate
the summer months. General Industry Safety Training to students in the challenges of the pandemic together.
June. She has been instrumental in providing Partnerships help students with
Business and Industry the safety training for students who will pursue opportunities to gain valuable skills and
Training Center jobs in the construction and related trade skills certifications that will help prepare them for
Several students will begin Electrical industries, as well as agricultural and health bright futures.
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | JUNE2020 17Shop Local.
Support Local.
Travel Local.
T
ravel is still very limited around experience everyday farm life at Dogwood support a new shop, visit a local attraction,
the world. Visit Rogers encourages Hills Guest Farm in Harriet, and hit the trails and continue to support your usual local
you to travel locally in-state and in Northwest Arkansas. establishments as well.
explore the city you live in. Now When traveling or visiting businesses in
is the time to take a few days and Explore Northwest Arkansas your city, we suggest:
head to the city in Arkansas you keep meaning Right here in Rogers and Northwest • Following all CDC guidelines for social
to visit or check out that attraction in your own Arkansas, you can test your skills on the new distancing, wearing a mask, and following
city you have never explored. Monument Trails at Hobbs State Park, explore group size recommendations for gatherings
the cave at War Eagle Cavern, take the family • Calling ahead to check business hours and to
Plan Your Arkansas Adventure for a picnic and walk at Lake Atalanta, break out see what guidelines they have in place
Arkansas, The Natural State, is known for the kayak for adventures at the Siloam Springs • Checking the COVID-19 page on the
abundant parks and wilderness areas. With Kayak Park, fish on Beaver Lake, soar through Chamber website for up-to-date information
terrain featuring mountains, caves, rivers, and the railcar at The Railyard Bike Park, enjoy a
hot springs, there are places all over the state family day out at the Rogers Aquatics Center, New TV Spot to Promote
that bring adventure to life. Arkansas has and so much more. Visit our “things to do” page State Tourism
everything from soft adventure for anyone of to start planning your next outdoor adventure. Visit Rogers will be launching a 15-second
any skill level to enjoy to extreme adventure television spot in conjunction with Arkansas
that’s not for the faint of heart. Support Local Businesses State Tourism this month. Be on the lookout
Throughout the state, you can mine While traveling the state or staying locally, for outdoor inspiration in Rogers! Follow Visit
for diamonds in Murfreesboro, relax in the we urge you to support the community’s local Rogers on Facebook (@visitrogers), Instagram
springs and spas in Hot Springs, ride your businesses. They need our support through (@visitrogersar), and Twitter (@visitrogers) for
bike over the Big Dam Bridge in Little Rock, these trying times. Try a new restaurant, more travel ideas.
Follow Visit Rogers on Social Media:
18 C h a m b e r Vo i ce | J U N E 2 02 0#WeMeanBusiness
Campaign Promotes
How to Do Business
with Member Businesses
I
n April, The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of
Commerce launched its #WeMeanBusiness social
media campaign to generate awareness in the
community of member businesses who are safely doing
business and how to do business with them. Chamber
Staff, Ambassadors, Executive Committee, and Board of
Directors visited with members (observing social distancing
and other safety guidelines), learned about their stories,
took photos of their products/services, and posted to
the Chamber’s social media platforms. The social media
posts have achieved tremendous results in both reach and
engagement.
At the end of May, a total of 100 member businesses
had been promoted as part of the campaign. Turn the
page for a random sampling of some of the campaign’s
posts. To read more, visit the Chamber’s social media at
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | JUNE2020 19Meme’s Caribbean Flavour several weeks. We donate 1,000 loaves of fresh sandwich bread each
Meme’s Caribbean Flavour is serving the community by feeding week to the NWA Food Bank and another 400-500 loaves to different
people in need with to-go orders from her new restaurant at 115 N. agencies in our area.”
Dixieland Road, Ste. 9. On April 22, Harris Baking Company’s board of directors voted to
Owner Shurla “Meme” Jobe has partnered with her Keypoint Church pay an Employee Appreciation Bonus to every employee. The $400
family, IDK? CAFE, NWA Givers and others to make hundreds of free bonus equals $1 per hour for a 10-week period and will be paid the first
meals available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Jobe also showed week of June.
appreciation for workers at the local unemployment office and delivered Contact them at (479) 636-3313 or visit harrisbaking.com.
Caribbean Meals to these essential workers.
Reach out to Shurla Jobe if you would like to recommend deserving
essential workers or if you would like to support this project. You may
further support this generous entrepreneur when you order a dozen
of her Signature Hand Pies online. These fried pies are available at
memescaribbeanflavour.square.site.
Beautiful Lives Boutique
Beautiful Lives Boutique (BLB) opened in Bentonville, its third
location, in November 2019 and recently expanded to an online
shopping experience this March in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
BLB is a nonprofit women’s thrift boutique that exists to support
women and children experiencing crisis and vulnerability. They
partner with seven local nonprofits and three global nonprofits to help
transform communities by resourcing and empowering those who have
Harris Baking Co. been marginalized.
Harris Baking Company, a 96-year-old Rogers company, has been “We are consistently amazed by the generosity of the NWA
baking fresh bread products daily since early March to take care of their community,” they said. “Whether donating high-quality women’s
customers in a 9-state area. clothing or volunteering time in one of our stores, the individuals who
They have not laid off any employees and are partnering with work with us help make our mission possible!”
a local employment agency to keep enough people available for BLB invites you to hop online, donate your gently used women’s
the amount of product they are producing. They currently have 170 clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories, and/or volunteer with them.
employees with up to 25 temporary staffing employees each week. You can shop online at www.shopblbbentonville.com and donate your
“Being a food company, we already practice good manufacturing clothes curbside at 1327 S. Main St. Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
practices (GMPs),” General Manager Jim Twiggs said. “However, we have
improved several of our GMPs and focused on ‘minimizing the exposure’
for our employees. These improvements include sanitizing all common
touch areas every four hours inside the plant (door knobs, touch screens,
key pads, hand rails, etc.), limiting our sales team to no outside travel,
restricting all visitors coming to the facility, not handling any packages
until 24 hours after they have been delivered, equipping our route
drivers with sanitizer and encouraging them to wipe down door handles,
steering wheels and other high use areas of their trucks. We installed
two new hand washing sinks, giving our employees more access to hand
washing stations. As a company we practice safe distancing in all areas.
We have gloves and masks available for all employees. The leadership
team meets every morning for a few minutes to discuss how we can
keep everyone safe while producing a quality product.”
“Because we are so blessed, we want to do what we can for people
in our community. For the past seven weeks we have fed our employees
each Friday. We choose a different restaurant each week to provide
these meals to our employees. We will continue to do this for the next
20 C h a m b e r Vo i ce | J U N E 2 02 0The Shelter Shop George’s, Inc.
The Shelter Shop, located at 2700 W. Walnut St. in Rogers, has George’s Inc., with locations at 1000 N. 2nd St. in Rogers and 402
started adding items to their Facebook Shop page and customers W. Robinson Ave. in Springdale, as well as its affiliate brands Forester
can call in to purchase that item. They can then do curbside pickup. Farmers Market, Ozark Mountain Poultry and Quick N Eat, are proud to
This allows customers an opportunity to still shop and help The help feed America during this unprecedented life event.
Shelter Shop with their mission of supporting children at Northwest “As of today, all of our eight manufacturing plants are operating
Arkansas Children’s Shelter with food, clothing, necessities, doctor’s in Rogers, Batesville and Springdale, Arkansas as well as Missouri,
appointments, and anything else they may need. Tennessee and Virginia and we proudly continue to work hard to feed
“The safety and security of our customers is our top priority,” America,” George’s Inc. said. “Due to the events of COVID-19, we have
The Shelter Shop’s Brandon Bulen said. “We continue to deep clean enacted a robust plan to manage our business forward while taking care
everything even though part of our policy is to clean products before of our valued team members. Our plan includes enhanced sanitation
they even hit the floor. Being able to go to online shopping allows us to guidelines as well as an abundance of caution for all who enter our
continue our mission and goals of raising money for the shelter. We are locations, including our own team members. We are still active in our
here for whatever we need to do to help the community and I can’t wait hiring efforts for our plant locations and we take pride in our strength in
to see our customers in the future.” fostering relationships, not only with each other and our team members
For more information, contact The Shelter Shop at (479) 202-5230 but with our valued customers, clients, vendors, corporate partners,
or visit nwacs.org/shelter-shop. growers and community leaders.”
“As we are considered an essential business within the
infrastructure of the USA, our Corporate Office locations in Rogers and
in Springdale are also open at this time but, as expected, they have a
limited number of essential employees on-site with the vast majority
of our professional corporate workforce on a tele-work from home plan
due to social distancing. We would like to sincerely thank all of our 7,000
team members and independent growers. Their continued hard work,
loyalty and dedication is making a difference in order to keep food on
the tables across our country – and doing all of this while staying safe
within our various workplace locations. Our hats off to everyone for a
job well done.”
SERC Physical Therapy
SERC Physical Therapy’s clinicians at all Northwest Arkansas
locations are still treating patients and following the latest CDC
guidelines to keep patients safe using gloves, masks, and temperature
scans before in-clinic treatments and telehealth visits if needed.
“Our goal is to provide exceptional care and remarkable
experiences,” Rogers Clinic Director Trevor Davidson said. “We know that
the need for therapy does not stop during times of global crisis and
are excited to be able to provide the same level of quality care that you
have come to expect from us.”
For more information, call (479) 636-1187 or visit serc.urpt.com/
locations/rogers.
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | JUNE2020 21Census 2020 |
Have You Been Counted?
60.3%
55.0%
65.6%
Self-Response Rate (%)
68.0%
100%
0-15% 16-30% 31-40% 41-50% 51-56%
50%
57-62% 63-68% 69-74% 75-85% 86-100%
0%
Mar 19 Apr 2 Apr 16 Apr 30 May 14 May 28
*All figures come from 2020census.gov as of April 29, 2020
Make sure you, your family, your neighbors and friends are all counted! Head to 2020Census.gov if you haven’t completed
the census and fill it out today, and encourage the rest of our community to do so, also.
NEW MEMBERS | April 2020
BEAUTIFUL LIVES BOUTIQUE FHB VENTURES SLIME STUDIO
Melody Taylor Leah Acoach Johnny Kim
1108 N. COLLEGE AVE. | FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72703 ROGERS, AR 72756 5100 W. PAULINE WHITAKER PKWY., STE. 105 | ROGERS, AR 72758
(479) 301-2256 | BEAUTIFULLIVESBOUTIQUE.COM BUSINESS SOLUTIONS (479) 202-9705 | DIYSLIMESTUDIO.COM
ORGANIZATIONS RECREATION
GREEN LAW FIRM DBA NWA
BEAUTIFUL LIVES BOUTIQUE MOBILE ESTATE PLANNING
Melody Taylor Hunter Green
103 N. MT. OLIVE ST. | SILOAM SPRINGS, AR 72761 P.O. BOX 2006 | LOWELL, AR 72745
(479) 238-8621 | BEAUTIFULLIVESBOUTIQUE.COM (479) 320-7876 | GREENLAWFIRMPLLC.COM/
ORGANIZATIONS ATTORNEYS
22 C h a m b e r Vo i ce | J U N E 2 02 0Now Accepting
APPLICATIONS
for the
2020-2021 LBC provides leadership training specific
to the regional issues facing the county,
Class
and serves as a training ground for future
leaders in Benton County.
For more information and to download an
application, click here:
www.leadershipbentoncounty.org
Deadline to submit applications
is September 30.
w w w.Roger sL owell.c om | JUNE2020 23MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS | April 2020
30+ YEARS 11-20 YEARS Brick Street Brews LLC
Prairie Creek Development - 56 years Andy’s Frozen Custard Clark Contractors, LLC
Bob Maloney Collision - 55 years Boys & Girls Club of Benton County - Rogers Unit El Pueblo Market #1
Nabholz Construction - 47 years Camp Bow Wow Grand Savings Bank
ACE Glass - 43 years Central States Manufacturing, Inc. LegalShield - Russell Anzalone
Benchmark Group - 42 years Crye-Leike Realtors/Main Office Simplemachine
Al McCarty Jewelers - 41 years Domino’s Pizza Southern Reprographics, Inc.
Matthews, Campbell, Rhoads, McClure & Thompson, P.A. - 40 Fish City Grill Village on the Park Rogers
years Hook Line & Sinker
Jiffy Kwick - 37 years The House of Prayer 2-5 YEARS
Assembled Products Corporation - 34 years Information Solutions Team, LLC Freedom5:one Ministries
Open Avenues - 34 years Kumon Math & Reading Center of Lowell The House
Abundant Performance - 31 years McGaugh RV Center J. Hilburn Custom Menswear - Nancy Paul
Dennis Electric, Inc. - 31 years PRO Clean Legacy Transit Lines, LLC
Marvin’s Building Maintenance Co., Inc. - 31 years Rockline Industries Relocation Services of Arkansas
Saving Grace, Inc. Tortilleria El Palomino / El Rinconcito Restaurant
21-30 YEARS Schlotzsky’s/Cinnabon VFW Post 3031
DesignWorks Steve’s Plumbing, LLC Walter’s Boot & Shoe Repair
Kinco Constructors, LLC Synergy Realty Group, LLC
New Hope Boarding & Grooming Taco Bell 1 YEAR
Rainbow Cycle and Marine, Inc. Wachter Inc. Adult Day NWA
Sharp’s Show of War Eagle D & A Roadside Service
Southwestern Sales Company 6-10 YEARS Opera in the Ozarks
State Farm Insurance - Alan Bauer Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, PLLC Warren Family Chiropractic
Visiting Angels of NWA Belle Journée Spa Woodland Research Northwest
Benton County Gun Works Workman’s Travel Center Lowell / The Ozark Mountain Grill
Annual Chamber Picnic June 12 |
Be Our Guest!
Due to COVID-19, the Picnic will be held at routine cleaning of all surfaces and supplies. Chamber’s friends and family. Come enjoy
the Chamber’s Baggett-Trammel Conference Each year, Chamber members provide some delicious food and have some fun with
Room in downtown Rogers this year instead hours of community service, give discounts your Chamber staff!
of Ward Nail Park in Lowell as it has been in on goods needed for Chamber programs and There is no fee to attend but registration
the past. Attendees may sign up for one of six donate everything from snacks to door prizes is required. To safeguard against community
20-minute time slots and must exit the room for Chamber events. spread, all Chamber events currently scheduled
after the 20 minutes have expired. Chamber The Chamber staff would like to show its are subject to being postponed and/or
staff will be following all safety precautions gratitude for all of these little things (and big cancelled with new dates and times to be
including the wearing of masks, gloves and things, too) and express appreciation to the announced later.
24 C h a m b e r Vo i ce | J U N E 2 02 0You can also read
