Mobile Internet Expected to Surpass Desktop Internet Usage in 2014

By Brad Phillips
Vice President, Marketing Communications
Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

Chamber's New Mobile Web App
Helps Community Stay Connected to Members
More and more web users are finding what they need while on the go with their mobile devices.
It's a busy world and being able to search for local businesses, stay connected to news and events
and even access exclusive discounts through your mobile device is more important than ever.  This
is true for both business and leisure mobile users.  Today, 50 percent of mobile web users now use mobile as either their primary or exclusive means of going online. Further, one half of all local searches are now performed on mobile devices. Eighty percent of consumers plan to conduct mobile commerce in the next 12 months. 

 “In today’s tech-focused world, we realized a mobile web app that is smartly designed for visitors and residents of our community to easily access our members’ businesses is the best way for us to connect the community with technology” Brad Phillips, Vice President of Marketing Communications, said.

 “Our new mobile web app offers better aesthetics and user interface, and will deliver tremendous value to not only our members, but also the community as a whole. We see this mobile web app becoming a popular destination for mobile Internet users seeking information about the Rogers-Lowell area.”

 Chamber's Mobile Usage Growing
The Chamber's mobile web app usage has grown from 6,000 total page views in the first quarter of 2013 to just over 16,000 in that same period for 2014, an increase of 166 percent year-to-year.  The new mobile web app is expected to increase page views by offering quick and easy navigation to Directory Search, Events, News, eCoupons, Dining, Lodging and About Us via graphic icons.  “We’re very excited,” Phillips, said. “Our new mobile web app will put our members and our community on more and more mobile devices.  This means no matter where people are, or what they’re doing – they will have access to valuable information about Rogers and Lowell, and our members. Through this technology, mobile web visitors can find our member businesses, get detailed maps and driving directions, read company profiles, view pictures, and contact them – in one convenient location."

The newly improved Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce mobile web app is free to users, and available on iPhone, Android, and Blackberry platforms. To access it, visit RogersLowell.com, click on the pop-up screen that prompts you to "Install this Web App on your Phone," then follow the prompt to add to your smartphone or other mobile device.

Top 5 Reasons to Join the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

By Jacque McQueen

As an Account Executive for the Chamber, I get to hear first-hand from both prospects and new members on why one chooses to join the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce.  The following reasons are often cited and are very good reasons why you should consider joining:

        1.   Awareness
The Chamber provides a complimentary ribbon cutting and announcement of your grand opening, new location, new ownership, and anniversary celebration in the local newspaper,
the Chamber Voice newsletter, and in weekly eNews blasts to influencers and decision-makers
in the community.

2     2.  Exposure
RogersLowell.com enables you to have your business listed in the Chamber’s online business directory along with a free hyperlink to your business web page. You simply provide a 35 word description with keywords that will help people search and find you.  The website utilizes both keyword search and category search for visitors to easily find your business.  The Chamber website also offers affordable advertising opportunities, and your business news and announcements are listed for free in the Chamber News section.

3     3. RFP (Request for Proposal) Connections
Business Connect on RogersLowell.com allows members to submit Request for Proposals (RFPs) to other members. This gives you the opportunity to offer your bid/quote to members when requested and also to submit to a bid request from other members. Good examples of members using this benefit include plumbing quotes, business card quotes, printing quotes, janitorial quotes, etc.  Business Connect connects you to new business and to significant savings for
your business.

        4.  New Contacts & Learning Opportunities
Members love the Chamber’s networking and educational events and opportunities for committee involvement. Most networking and educational events are free and include Business After Hours, Coffee Connection, Community Diversity Celebration, FYI Brown Bag Lunches, Chamber University seminars and numerous committees to get involved with extracurricular activities.  In addition, there is a variety of members-only sponsorship packages available for events and meetings to help increase your visibility and make new contacts.

5     5. Promotion
The Chamber offers you opportunity to submit eCoupons and discounts to be featured on the RogersLowell.com Business Directory’s Coupons and Discounts web page.  These eCoupons
help promote your business to both members and thousands of monthly website visitors. 
It’s free and a very popular benefit with our members for promoting trial offers and competitive discount deals.

These are my top five reasons for new members joining the Chamber but there are many more reasons to join and benefits of membership.  The bottom line is that Chamber membership is an effective business strategy.  Contact me and let’s explore together how Chamber membership benefits you and let’s make it a part of your strategy. 

Call me at either my office (479) 619-3189 or my mobile (479) 387-6546.

The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce is accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
and is one of only 77 Chambers nationwide to be awarded the highest level of five stars.  The
Chamber is committed to growing business and building community, and provides numerous opportunities for businesses to build new contacts and generate leads throughout the area. 
The Chamber’s mission is to be the voice of business, to promote and initiate responsible
economic growth, and to address community challenges in the Rogers and Lowell Area,
as well as the Northwest Arkansas region.