Rogers-Lowell Chamber braves cold weather to hold banquet
by February 28, 2015 5:26 pm 150 views
Awards, highlights from 2014 and a chat with University of Arkansas Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long were key features during the 93rd Annual Rogers/Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet.
The banquet was Friday (Feb.27). 2014 and board chairman Ric Clifford shared highlights of 2014 and gave vision to 2015.
“(The year) 2014 saw success in growing business, building community and establishing a framework for our area’s future,” Clifford said. “Positive new business growth and expansions resulted in another year of significant job creation helping create meaningful opportunities for Chamber members to sell their goods and services as businesses in Rogers-Lowell created over 1,300 new jobs.”
He said the chamber experienced diverse capital investments of more than $70.3 million last year and they expect another $41.2 million over the next three years. Clifford commended the Government Affairs division for the drafted comprehensive legislative agenda for the 2015 session to ensure that the Chamber “remains the voice of area business.”
He also spoke of the development of Vision 2030, which is holistic vision and consensus based community action plan that will guide economic development and community improvement initiatives.
“As we move forward to advance our region and our specific business interests, let's all remember to stay humble and to count our blessings. We have so much to be proud of and to be thankful for, but there is still much work to do to create the job opportunities that will allow all members of our community to prosper and flourish,” Clifford said.
The following awards were given out at the annual banquet:
• Ambassador of the Year Award: Jill Bright
• Rogers Educator Hall of Fame: Walter Schrader
• Volunteer of the Year: Heather Slinkard
• Small Business of the Year: Shirley’s Flowers
• Spirit Award Winner: The Walmart AMP
• Elbert S. Graham/Elza Tucker Award: Mary Beth Matthews
• Dick Trammel Rogers Good Neighbor Award: Rob Brothers