C-Suite: Bill Rogers

Fast Fact: Rogers started working for the Springdale Chamber of Commerce in 1998 and became its president and CEO on Jan. 1.

What’s the most interesting thing about you that isn’t on your resume? I coined two well-known phrases familiar to Razorback basketball fans: “THEEEESE are the Arkansas Razorbacks!” and “Basketball Palace of Mid-America.”

If you had $1 million to give, what would you support? I would help support the many organizations working to alleviate hunger in our region.

What keeps you up at night or worries you the most? I try hard to focus on today, rather than worry about the future. Tomorrow’s worries may not materialize.

What is one thing you would change about your company if you could today? I wish we had a larger staff so we could be even more effective in serving our members and community.

What is the most used app on your phone? Dem-Gazette, Facebook and Twitter.

If you weren’t in your current profession, what would you be doing? I’d likely be helping a business or cause tell its story. It’s been the constant during my years with the chamber and the Razorbacks.

In one sentence, can you express what the most important thing about being a leader is? Being a leader provides the opportunity, with my words and actions, to inspire in others a desire to do their very best.

What is the best business advice you have ever received? Treat people the way you’d like them to treat you.

What is the best business advice you have ever given? Show up, work hard and be a good team member. The rest will take care of itself.

In your company/industry, what are the main differences between pre- and post- COVID-19? We’ve had to be creative in helping our members connect in-person for events, programs and conferences.

What’s the most recent book you read? “21st Birthday” by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro.