conway area chamber of commerce 2012 annual report

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What does stand for?

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The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce's 2012 annual report asks, "What does 'C' stand for?"

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What does stand for?

2012 Annual ReportThis book is dedicated to the many boys and girls who

represent the future of Conway, and to the grown-up boys and girls who are bringing that future to life today.

is for communitywhere we live and work and play,

where flowers bloom (and children, too!)

and families come to stay.

Designing a High-Quality CommunityA community like Conway doesn’t happen by chance. It takes commitment, thoughtful planning and constant attention to create a place where people never want to leave. Thank you to the many individuals and businesses that invested these things and more over the past year.

Main StreetThis summer, the public infrastructure along Main Street got a makeover. The beautification project included sidewalks, streetlights, curbs, gutters and landscaping, all of which complement private sector investments from Harkrider Avenue to Front Street.

Rogers PlazaOur downtown district represents the heart of Conway. Razing the “blue building” at Oak and Van Ronkle was the first visible sign of progress toward a landmark entrance feature and public space to welcome residents and visitors downtown.

ENTRY ARCHWAYSCALE: 1/4"=1'-0"

Hospital ExpansionConway Regional Health System set a new standard for surgical facilities in Arkansas. After more than $30 million in additions and renovations, the new expansion opened its doors in the summer of 2012, bringing a new level of service and quality to our community.

New SchoolsOur residents invest in education. Thanks to the Conway2020 bond proposal, students are benefiting from two new, state-of-the-art facilities – Carolyn Lewis Elementary and the Conway High School West campus. Both of these facilities opened their doors in August.

is for our culture here,

of school and great successes

where learning comes with joy and shouts

and sometimes toads and messes!

A Culture of Education and AchievementThe Conway Area Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1891 with the mission of recruiting colleges to the community. Today, that commitment to education is as strong as ever, with Conway boasting premier learning opportunities for students ranging from diapers to doctorates.

Toad Suck DazePerfect weather, record crowds and new attractions all made Toad Suck Daze 2012 a big success. Approximately 160,000 people came together for fun, food and entertainment. To date, the festival has raised more than $1.3 million in funds for education.

Pre-KIn October, the Chamber announced a partnership with local nonprofit Lifelong Learners to develop citywide improvements in Pre-K education. Funded with a $50,000 grant from Toad Suck Daze proceeds, the new effort makes early childhood education a top priority in Conway – Arkansas’ education capital.

Academic Signing DayThis is the day we recognize a select few of Conway’s high-achieving graduating seniors who have received significant academic awards and substantial scholarships. In 2012, the 23 students honored had an average ACT score of 31.7 – more than 10 points higher than the national average.

Teacher’s FairDuring the eighth annual Teacher Breakfast and Education Fair this past year, 69 Chamber member businesses welcomed Conway’s K-12 teachers back to school. More than 500 faculty and staff members attended the event.

is for the confidencewe feel in future days,

with leadership and tools and tips

to help in lots of ways.

Earning a Degree of ConfidenceThe Conway Area Chamber of Commerce has learned a great deal over the years. And we’ve put that knowledge into action, developing plans that benefit Conway now and for generations to come. These efforts haven’t gone unnoticed – 2012 brought impressive recognition for the Chamber and the community.

AccreditationWhen the Chamber was awarded accreditation by the U.S. Chamber in 2012, it joined some very elite company. The 4-star rank of accreditation places our organization in the top 2% of the nation’s 7,000 chambers of commerce. Receiving accreditation is a stringent process, involving a third-party review of every facet of organization management.

City AccoladesDuring 2012, a number of media outlets spotlighted Conway and the Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway MSA as one of the nation’s top places to live and do business. Recent recognition includes:

• 13th “Best Place for Job Growth” in the United States, CNNMoney• 73rd Fastest Growing County in the Country, US Census Bureau• 40 Strongest U.S. Metro Economies, Forbes• 10 Cheapest Cities in the Country, Yahoo! Homes• Best Places for Business and Careers, Forbes

CFO of the YearGreat leadership deserves to be recognized. In November 2012, the Chamber’s own chief financial officer, Laura Grimes, was recognized by Arkansas Business as Arkansas’ Nonprofit CFO of the Year.

Chamber GrowthAdvancing Conway is a group effort. After a record-setting April membership event, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce expanded to more than 1,500 members, becoming the third-largest chamber of commerce in the state.

is for cultivate,

we’re making good things grow,

like plants and planes and driving lanes

all going with the flow!

Cultivate Business From the Ground Up Breaking ground might feel like a new beginning, but it’s actually the culmination of what can be a years-long effort to attract business and strengthen Conway’s economy. Maintaining a business-friendly climate – and generating new and better jobs – is critical to Conway’s continued success.

PrivacyStarConway offers a convenient, centralized location for businesses headquartered here. In July, PrivacyStar – the privacy app creator founded in Conway in 2008 – announced plans to add more than 100 jobs to its growing team. New AirportWe’re aiming high for the future. In May, Conway’s federal delegation announced a $5.8 million grant from the FAA that would accelerate the construction of a new airport. The expanded airport is expected to open in Lollie Bottoms in August of 2014.

Airport Redevelopment Conway’s current airport sits on almost 200 acres of centrally located, high-visibility real estate. The Conway Development Corporation has already started a master planning process for this once-in-a-generation development opportunity.

Convention & Visitors BureauIn September, the Convention and Visitors Bureau announced the “I’m a Fan” promotion. The athletic administrations from our three colleges and universities came together to celebrate the role collegiate athletics plays in Conway.

All-Star GameIn June, the Arkansas Activities Association announced the return of High School All-Star Week to Conway. The Convention and Visitors Bureau, UCA, the City of Conway and Conway Public Schools assembled a winning bid to host the event from 2013-2017.

Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings Supporting business is key to our success. In 2012, the Chamber helped 55 member businesses celebrate a grand opening, reopening, ownership anniversary, new construction project or other special event by hosting ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking ceremonies.

is for connection –

where we’re going, where we’re from –

and making even bigger plans

for the best that’s still to come!

Our Connection to Conway, and to Each Other There are many aspects of the Conway community that make life here sweet. One of the best, however, is the people. Without the friendly faces, welcoming attitudes and spirit of cooperation that seem to come naturally to our residents, Conway could never be what it is today – or what it will be tomorrow.

Lunch and LearnThe Chamber hosted six Small Business Lunch and Learn programs in 2012, covering topics such as cloud-based computing, social media marketing, safety precautions and taxation. More than 150 small business owners and their employees attended one or more of these events.

Leads GroupsIn 2012, the three Conway Area Chamber of Commerce Leads Groups generated $1.4 million in additional business through referrals and shared contacts.

CEO LuncheonsThree CEO Luncheons in 2012 featured top executives from the mobile technology, banking and clothing industries, attracting a combined total of more than 500 attendees.

Business Expo & Taste of ConwayThe 2012 Business Expo and Retail Showcase brought together over 100 exhibitors for a business-to-business trade show, with a delicious finish provided by Taste of Conway. Nearly 30 area restaurants and caterers served up tempting creations to 500+ event attendees.

Bowling for BusinessThe Chamber’s third annual bowling event drew 30 teams comprised of 155 total individuals.

Minority Enterprise DevelopmentDuring the 2012 MED Awards Gala, 240 attendees gathered to recognize the achievements of minority entrepreneurs, as well as individuals and organizations committed to advancing minority business.

SpainIn the fall of 2012, 21 travelers explored historic and modern sites in Barcelona and Madrid as part of the Chamber’s group travel excursion to Spain.

Women in BusinessThe Conway Area Chamber of Commerce created a new event in 2012 celebrating the successes of women leaders in central Arkansas. This inaugural event attracted a sellout crowd of 300, and recognized five Outstanding Women in Business.

2012 Boards & CommissionsConway Area Chamber of Commerce BoardLori Case, Chair

Jeff Standridge, Vice Chair

Ronnie Williams, Immediate Past Chair

Dave Cronk, Treasurer

Brad Lacy, Secretary

Bill Adkisson Mike BaldwinMarty Carley Bret Carroll Celeste Flanagin

Lee HarrisLane Housley Jim LambertDavid MorganDr. Greg Murry Jay MyersTim NailMichelle PhillipsTom PoeLori Windle Quinn

Jim Rankin Marc ShockJudge Preston Scroggin Mayor Tab Townsell Kevin WardShelia Whitmore Mark WilliamsAndrea Woods

Conway Advertising & Promotion CommissionRay Kordsmeier Chairman

Angela BagbyJeremy Gardner

Andy HawkinsRay KordsmeierMike Kraft

Reggie RoseSheila Whitmore

Conway Downtown Partnership Board George CovingtonBill BetheaLori Windle QuinnJack BellBunny Adcock

Mike CoatsTom CourtwayFrank CoxAlan EnglishGreg Nabholz

Dot WelchKent WelchKim WilliamsBeth Yockey

Conway Development Corporation BoardBill Adkisson, Chair

Jerry Adams, Vice Chair

Johnny AdamsRichie Arnold

Jack EngelkesMark FergusonBill Hannah

Sherry SmithTab TownsellRonnie Williams

Chairman’s CircleDiamond City of ConwayConway Corporation

PlatinumHewlett-Packard

GoldAcxiom CorporationConway Regional Health SystemCrafton Tull

Crain AutomotiveFirst Security Bank &

Crews & Associates, Inc.

Southwestern Energy CompanyUCA Foundation

Silver BHP BillitonCentennial BankFirst Service Bank

GARVERHendrix CollegeNabholz Construction

Smith Ford, Inc.Sonic Drive-In

BronzeArkansas Democrat Gazette/River Valley & Ozark EditionArvest BankBank of the Ozarks Caldwell ToyotaCentral Baptist College

Conway Management, Inc.Delta Dental of ArkansasInternational PaperKroger MarketplaceLinn’s AutoLog Cabin Democrat

Regions BankSnap-On EquipmentUS Compounding, Inc.Verizon WirelessVirco Manufacturing CorporationWeaver-Bailey Contractors, Inc.

866.7CONWAY | 501.327.7788

900 Oak Street, Conway, AR 72032

conwayarkansas.org

[email protected]