Former Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe to speak in Rogers

The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce has announced former Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe will keynote the chamber’s signature annual event, the 97th Annual Celebration of Business & Community.

The Feb. 2 program is at the John Q. Hammons Center starting at 6 p.m.

Beebe’s appearance is due in some part with the chamber’s effort to recognize longtime civic leader Dick Trammel at the event. Trammel, who turned 81 in October, officially retired Dec. 31 after working more than 43 years for Arvest Bank.

Beebe, a Democrat from Searcy who was the state’s top elected official from 2007 to 2015, appointed Trammel to the Arkansas Highway Commission in 2009. The 10-year term expired earlier this month.

“I am honored to be coming to Rogers on behalf of my very good friend, Dick Trammel, as he is honored by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce for his lifelong commitment to Arkansas,” Beebe said in a statement. “His efforts to promote and improve the lives of people in this region and across the state have been invaluable throughout the course of his career. I’m looking forward to celebrating Mr. Northwest Arkansas’s many accomplishments and good works.”

Registrations for the chamber event can be made online or by calling 479-636-1240.