RLC Voice of Business Podcast Rogers Lowell Chamber

In the first episode of Season 2, SVP of Economic Development Steve Cox and Creative Services Director Nick Smith discuss the Annual Celebration of Business & Community, the Chamber's largest event of the year, and also the largest gathering of business leaders in Northwest Arkansas.

Recorded live before the event, this episode features discussions with several folks attending the event and showcases a true sampling of the excitement surrounding the informative and energizing event.

Buckle up, Rogers and Lowell! Get ready to dive headfirst into the year ahead with the Rogers Lowell Chamber's "2024, the Year Ahead" episode of the Voice of Business Podcast. Your hosts, Steve Cox, SVP of Economic Development, and Nick Smith, Creative Services Director, are joined by the mastermind behind the Chamber's most electrifying events, Special Events Director Maggie Matuschka.

This episode isn't just about calendar dates—it's about unlocking the potential of 2024 for your business. Maggie's got the inside scoop on all the upcoming events, from the Annual Celebration of Business & Community to the Arkansas Community Showcase. She'll share tips, tricks, and insider secrets to help you leverage the Chamber's events to connect, network, and propel your business to new heights.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is your roadmap to navigate the year with the Chamber as your co-pilot. So, grab your coffee, fire up your podcast app, and get ready to chart your course to a successful 2024 with the Rogers Lowell Chamber!

Tune in now and discover:

Sneak peeks at the Chamber's hottest events: Get a taste of what's in store, from exclusive networking opportunities to community celebrations.
Insider tips for maximizing your event experience: Learn how to make the most of every Chamber event, whether you're attending or sponsoring.
Strategies for connecting with the right people: Discover how to leverage the Chamber's network to build valuable relationships and boost your business.
And much more!

In this episode of the Voice of Business Podcast, Hosts Steve Cox and Nick Smith welcome Shannon A. Jones to the panel to discuss the thriving performing arts scene in Northwest Arkansas. Jones, the Executive Director of TheaterSquared in Fayetteville, brings wonderful insights from the performing arts profession on the impact the arts have in the development of a community as well as how NWA embraces the arts wholeheartedly.

Education and Enrichment: Studies show that arts programs in schools boost academic achievement, critical thinking skills, and social-emotional development. In the 2019-2020 school year, 87% of public elementary and secondary schools offered visual and performing arts instruction, impacting millions of students.

Economic Engine: The arts are a powerful economic driver. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the arts and cultural sector contributed $919.7 billion to the U.S. GDP in 2022, supporting 5.1 million jobs.

Social Bridge: Art transcends cultural divides, fostering empathy, understanding, and a sense of shared humanity. Live performances bring people together, creating a platform for dialogue and connection.

Northwest Arkansas pulsates with a vibrant arts scene. Renowned institutions in NWA include Arkansas Public Theater, Walton Arts Center, Crystal Bridges, SoNA, the AMP, and of course TheaterSquared.

The Chamber Voice of Business podcast, hosted by Steve Cox and Nick Smith, featured Sara Lynn Geiger, VP of Government Affairs for the Rogers Lowell Chamber. They discussed the importance of advocacy and government affairs as a key mission area of the Chamber. Geiger highlighted the Chamber's role as a convener, bringing together businesses and legislators to discuss and influence business-friendly legislation. She also mentioned the upcoming 2024 elections and the importance of staying informed and participating in the voting process. The podcast also touched on the Chamber's upcoming events, including roundtables and breakfasts with federal and state delegates, and a new initiative, a Civics Bee, aimed at educating middle school students about government and civics.

In this episode of the RLC Voice of Business Podcast, hosts Steve Cox and Nick Smith welcome Duke McLarty, Executive Director of Groundwork NWA, to discuss the critical role of workforce housing in building a strong and vibrant community. McLarty shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities surrounding workforce housing, and he provides practical strategies for businesses and community leaders to take action.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of:

The definition of workforce housing and its importance to a community's economic vitality
The factors that contribute to the shortage of affordable housing
The impact of workforce housing on business recruitment and retention
Strategies for addressing the workforce housing shortage
Examples of successful workforce housing initiatives in Northwest Arkansas
This episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about the future of Northwest Arkansas and wants to make a positive impact on our community.

About Groundwork NWA

Groundwork NWA is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating healthy, livable, and equitable communities in Northwest Arkansas. The organization works to address a variety of community needs, including workforce housing, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

In this episode of the Chamber Voice of Business Podcast, hosts Steve Cox and Nick Smith welcome Michelle Wynn, Executive Director of Child Care Aware of Northwest Arkansas, and Dina Ford, owner of Wild About Learning Academy, to delve into the crucial role of Early Childhood Education in our region's growth and prosperity. Join us as we explore the challenges and opportunities facing early childhood educators, the impact of quality early learning on children's development, and the business community's role in supporting this essential sector.