Why do we care about the magic number?

So, there's a reason we're excited about surpassing the 2,000 member milestone at the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, but it has nothing to do with being the biggest chamber in Arkansas.  That's definitely interesting, but it isn't what matters.

We care because it means that we work on behalf of 2,040 member businesses representing 4,037 individuals doing business in Northwest Arkansas.  It means that business is good in our community, and growing better by the minute.  It means the number of potential connections and prospective customers our member businesses may capitalize upon is virtually unlimited.  It means our capacity to effectively serve and monitor the pulse of the business community is enhanced.  And, we care because representing more than 2,000 businesses carries remarkable impact as we advocate issues on behalf of the Northwest Arkansas Business community at the Arkansas State Capitol, in Washington D.C. and throughout the region.

A dynamic, growing membership base is also an excellent indicator of the growth and strength of the local business community.  This may be the most exciting part.  While we love seeing positive signs of economic recovery at the national level (Associated Press: 90% of economists expect the recession to end this year: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Business/260607/; Bloomberg: consumer confidence jumps by most in six years: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=arayDGpmRFZU&refer=us) as well as the local level (Arkansas Business: consumer confidence soars: http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article.aspx?aid=114952.54928.127081), a steady flow of new businesses and new members is an excellent, practical measure of the state of the local economy.

So, to our member businesses, thank you!  More members = more connections and business opportunities for you, and more ways for us to serve you and help you thrive.  No matter what the numbers say, that's what we're here to do every single day.  Thank you for your support and your continued membership!

Here's a link to some press coverage of the milestone: http://www.nwanews.com/bcdr/News/73794/

Ready for your business to thrive rather than just survive?

We are tremendously excited around the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce of late regarding the NWA Business Conference & Expo scheduled for August 6.  Granted, we're pretty excited about everything we do for our member businesses, but this is different.  This is BIG!

As previously mentioned in a teaser back in February (http://tinyurl.com/ol5cec), the NWA Business Conference & Expo will be a world-class event offered in partnership with the Arkansas World Trade Center and the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal.  What makes the NWA Busines Conference & Expo presented by Sam's Club (www.samsclub.com) and Your Community Phone Book (www.yourcommunityphonebook.com) so exciting this year is the combination of seminars and keynote speakers along with an  Expo presented by Cherokee Casino (www.cherokeecasino.com) showcasing businesses, products and services.  It's going to be a fantastic, one-stop business-building shop.

It's hard to contain our enthusiasm over the international component for the event as well, afforded by the engagement of the Arkansas World Trade Center.  The day will include seminars and presentations from international-caliber speakers with topics related to three dedicated tracks: Small Business, General Business and International Business.  

This year's keynote speaker sponsored by Cox Communications will be Clyde Fessler, former VP Business Development for Harley Davidson Motor Company.  His story of marketing what has become one of the most recognized brands in the world and turning around a company on the brink of bankruptcy is inspiring and appropriate for businesses of every size.  Stay tuned for a fantastic event publication from the NWA Business Journal in late July, as well.  We encourage businesses to register no later than June 12 to be included.

The schedule of events will be available soon at www.NWABusiness.org, where you'll also find additional information as well as keynote tickets, all-accesspasses, booths, sponsorships and more details.  Or, call the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce at 479-636-1240 - any member of our staff can help you!