Rogers, Arkansas Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Weekly News

News    

LAST CALL – Applications for the seventh class of Leadership Benton County are now available, and must be returned to the Chamber by July 18 at 6 p.m. Presented by The Morning News, the program provides leadership training specific to the regional issues facing the county. For more information, contact Megan Cuddy at megan@rogerslowell.com.

Tax Rate for Manufacturers Falls – On July 1, state manufacturers received an additional reduction in the sales tax paid on utilities. HB 1420, now Act 185, established a sales tax reduction for manufacturers’ utility costs. It reduced the sales taxes paid by manufacturers, which are classified in NAICS codes 31-33, from 6 percent to 4.5 percent on July 1, 2007. The tax rate was further reduced an additional one-half percent to 4 percent effective July 1, 2008. For further information or assistance, contact the Arkansas Department of Finance & Administration:  Cheryl Waddell (Cheryl.waddell@rev.state.ar.us) or Ebony Jordan (ebony.jordan@rev.state.ar.us) may be reached via e-mail or by phone (501-682-7104) for assistance with permit applications for the reduced manufacturing tax.

Fact: The Average Age of First Alcohol Use in Benton County is Age 12. The Benton County Underage Drinking Prevention Task Force invites you to attend a Town Hall Meeting on July 22 from 5:30-7 p.m. at Siloam Springs High School, 1500 W. Jefferson, Siloam Springs. The event is sponsored by the Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free Foundation with monetary support from the Motorola Foundation. The Town Hall Meeting is a part of a national effort to increase understanding and awareness of underage drinking and its consequences, and to discuss how Benton County can address the problem of underage drinking. Dinner will be provided at the meeting, and the event is free of charge. Please RSVP to lauren@rogerslowell.com or 479-619-3198.

Lowell Development Conference Set – Partnering with the City of Lowell, the Chamber will offer the first Lowell Development Conference on July 25 from 12-4:30 p.m. at Tucker Elementary School in Lowell. The event is designed to meet the needs of both new and experienced developers, contractors, builders, engineers, surveyors, real estate professionals and others involved in commercial and residential development in Lowell. Sessions will provide current information on all facets of building and development and will offer attendees the opportunity to avoid common pitfalls and ask questions directly of city planning, building inspection, street, fire, water and sewer professionals. Lunch will be provided, and the day will conclude with an update on local and regional projects anticipated in the future, providing critical information to development professionals. The conference is free, with registration required here For more information, contact Jessica Breaux at 479-770-4400 or jbreaux@rogerslowell.com.

Come Out to the Ballpark! The Chamber invites you to take advantage of discounted tickets in reserved seating for the Aug. 11 match-up between the NWA Naturals and the Frisco RoughRiders. Game time is 7 p.m. at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. Bring your family for this fun evening. Tickets are $7 per person and must be paid in advance. Order your tickets online here, or call the Chamber at 479-636-1240 to make your purchase.

Booths Available for Business Showcase – Reserve your space early to ensure you get the booth you want! The Business Showcase presented by Your Community PhoneBook allows your business to display and promote products and services to thousands of NWA buyers. It’s set for Aug. 14 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at J.Q. Hammons Center in Rogers. Get a jump on competitors, unveil new and improved products or simply build brand recognition for your business. Booth spaces are available in a variety of price points to fit your budget. Watch for more news next week on the Taste of Northwest Arkansas at the event. Learn more, or contact Stacey Calhoun at Stacey@rogerslowell.com or 479-619-3195.

Tee it Up at the Fall Golf Tournament – Sponsorships are available! Your company could be the title sponsor of the Chamber’s Fall Golf Tournament set for Sept. 19 at Lost Springs Golf & Athletic Club in Rogers. Or sponsor the Beverage Carts, Putting Contest, Longest Drive, or Closet-to-the-Pin Contest. Set up shop on one of the holes to hand out promotional materials, cold beverages or fun snacks while networking one-on-one with golfers throughout the day. Sponsorships are available that include outstanding recognition benefits along with teams in the event. Learn more about sponsorship benefits, or contact Shelle Summers at ssummers@rogerslowell.com or 479-619-3187 to become a sponsor.

Upcoming Events

Third Thursday Coffee – Meet and greet Lowell businesses at Third Thursday Coffee set for July 17 at 7:45 a.m. at Daylight Donuts in Lowell, located at 200 S. Bloomington, Suite J. The event is free and open to all Lowell business owners and employees. Don’t miss this opportunity to mix and mingle with other Lowell businesses. Contact Jessica Breaux at 479-770-4400 or jbreaux@rogerslowell.com.

Fiesta de Negocios – Celebrate America! at the multicultural networking event, Fiesta de Negocios, presented by Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport and hosted by Arvest Bank on July 17 from 5:30-7 p.m., at McClure Park in Lowell. Join the crowd for the free picnic provided by Arvest Bank.

New Member Reception – Learn more about your Chamber membership and programs designed to help your business grow at the next New Member Reception on July 23 from 8:30-10 a.m. at the Chamber. The event is presented by Sam’s Club. The event is free to members

Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Committee Meetings – 
• Multicultural Committee meets on Wednesday, July 16 at 12 p.m. at the Chamber, 317 W. Walnut St., Rogers. RSVP to Vilma Dominguez at 479-619-3186 or vilma@rogerslowell.com.

Learn more about each Chamber committee and how you can get involved, and sign up online in the Members Only section of our website. Don’t know your Username and Password? Call us for details at 479-636-1240.

For more information on upcoming events including the Third Friday Twilight Walk in downtown Rogers visit our Community Calendar of Events