2018 Program of Work

2018 

Program of Work 

1

Message from our Chairman 

I want to thank you for 

allowing me to serve as the Chair 

of the Russellville Area Chamber 

of Commerce for 2018. It is an 

honor, and I will work hard with 

you to continue to build a better 

Russellville. 

First and most importantly, 

I want to thank Brad Allen for 

his hard work in putting together 

a new organizational structure 

aimed at chamber member 

participation. For seven months, 

Brad held numerous member 

feedback sessions in order to build 

the Program of Work for 2018 

that you will see in the following 

pages. 

This Program of Work is 

written by the membership from 

a grass roots level that we have 

the privilege of implementing this 

year. The seven new councils and 

numerous task forces enable every 

chamber member to participate in 

building a better Russellville. 

I can assure you that your 

organization is fully engaged and 

eager to continue our daily work 

at helping our community be more 

russellvillechamber.org 

profitable and to have a better 

quality of life. 

I want to personally thank 

the willingness of the seven 

council chairs for undertaking 

the leadership responsibilities of 

the new councils. They are: Chip 

Blanchard, First State Bank, Dr. 

Mark Gotcher, Russellville School 

District, Andy McNeill, Denali 

Water Solutions, Steve Mallett, 

City Corporation, Tonya Oates, 

Turning Point Adult Behavioral 

Health, Joe Wolfe, JBS, Kylia 

Stewart, Suddenlink Media - Altice 

USA, and Todd Sweeden, Sweeden 

Florist. 

I am enthusiastic about 

our new emphasis on economic 

development and governmental 

affairs. We look forward to 

adding the chamber’s resources 

of staff and financial support 

to compliment the Arkansas 

Valley Alliance for Economic 

Development, which had an 

exceptional year in 2017. 

Throughout Arkansas we have 

noticed that chambers and regional 

economic development alliances 

are much more successful when 

they work together for job growth. 

Governmental affairs, as it relates 

to business, will be a much needed 

aggressive program to assist local 

business and industry in taking 

positions that will accelerate job 

growth. 

Having grown up in 

Russellville, I am confident in 

saying I cannot remember a more 

exciting time in our city. Review 

the Program of Work, find a 

place to serve and, let’s roll up our 

sleeves and go to work to make 

our fellow Arkansans look up and 

take notice of Russellville because 

we are one of the top cities in this 

great state. 

Adam Anderson 

Nationwide Insurance 

2018 Chairman of the Board

Government 

Affairs 

Business Leader 

Andy McNeill 

Staff Leader 

Paul Harvel 

Stephanie 

Barnes-Nickols 

Leadership 


Steve Mallett 

Staff Leader 

Paul Harvel 

Stephanie 


Membership 

Economic 

Development 


Chip Blanchard 

Staff Leader 

Paul Harvel 

Suzy Griffin 

Brittany Villeneuve 

State Class Established 

Industries 

Federal Alumni Industry 

Recruitment 

Local Recruitment Established 

Retail 

Candidate 

Forums 

Transportation 

Board 

Officers 

Quality of 

Place 


Tonya Oates Staff 

Leader 

Tabatha Duvall 

Brittany Villeneuve 

Uncommon 

Communities 

Tourism 

Beautification 

Health & 

Wellness 

Organizational Chart 

Education 


Dr. Mark Gotcher 

Staff Leader 

Stephanie 

Barnes- Nickols 

Paul Harvel 

Arkansas 

Scholars 

Arkansas Tech 

University 

Teacher 

Appreciation 

Membership 

Services 


Joe Wolfe 

Staff Leader 

Misty Lumpkins 

Recruitment 

Reevaluation 

Engagement 

Customer 

Service 

Programs & 

Events 

Business Leaders 

Todd Sweeden 

Kylia Stewart 

Staff Leader 

Stephanie 


First Friday 

Breakfast 

Sunset Cinema 

Annual 

Meeting 

Curriculum Shop Local Building 

Retention River Valley 

Standards 

Business Expo 

Golf 

Tournament 

Workforce 

Development 

Parks & 

Recreation 

Red Coat 

Ambassadors 

Leads Group 

Top Investor 

Stewards 

Feedback 

Staff Goals & Objectives 

Job Creation & Retention 

• Existing Industry 

• Workforce Development 

• BRE Magazine 

• New Capital 

Total Resource Campaign 

• Leads Group 

Membership 

• Tiered Dues 

Accreditation 

• Disaster Recovery Plan 

Government Affairs 

• Lobbyist Training 

• Online Sales Tax 

• Legislative Breakfast and 

Receptions 

• Arkansas State Chamber 

Washington D.C. Fly-ins 

• Candidate Forums 

• Local Government Thank 

You Luncheons 

Leadership 

Tourism & Hospitality 

Community Development 

• Shop Local Campaign 

• Health and Wellness 

• Employer/School Relations 

• “How To Start a Business 

in Russellville” Tri-fold 

3

Governmental Affairs 

Volunteer Executive: 

Andy McNeill, Denali Water 

Solutions, Chair of Governmental 

Affairs 

Staff Responsibility: 

Paul Harvel, President & CEO 

Stephanie Barnes-Nickols, Executive 

Vice President - Chamber Programs 

Major Function 

Reflect the business community 

viewpoint on federal, state, and local 

governmental matters. Maintain 

liaison with governmental agencies 

having developmental, regulatory, as 

well as advisory responsibilities in 

all aspects of commerce. 

General Aims 

Develop a focused governmental 

affairs program that will actively 

involve the business community 

in the decision and policy making 

processes across appropriate 

levels of government to promote 

competitiveness and awareness of 

the greater Russellville Business 

Community. 

Maintain open dialog and channels 

of communication with elected 

officials on all levels of government 

representing our district. 

Federal Legislative Task 

Force 

1. Be active on national issues 

affecting business, positioning 

this business community on 

issues and conveying this 

position in as strong a way 

as possible to Congress, our 

delegation, and our public. 

2. Encourage participation and 

attendance to Washington 

during the annual meeting of 

the Arkansas State Chamber 

of Commerce. Plan visits 

to congressional offices and 

participate in the Arkansas 

Congressional Reception. 

3. Maintain at the Chamber office 

a current list of governmental 

hotline phone numbers so that 

the membership can keep upto-date 

on developments in 

Washington. 

4. Keep the business community 

updated on national legislative 

issues by sending out a new 

initiative called “Washington 

Watch” twice monthly by 

email giving our members the 

latest information needed when 

contacting our congressional 

delegates. 

State Task Force 

1. Develop a state legislative 

platform and an effective 

lobbying activities to stimulate 

passage of legislation beneficial 

to our region. 

2. Maintain proper representation 

at important committee hearings 

and general sessions in Little 

Rock. 

3. Become acquainted with all 

state agencies and invite agency 

board members and commission 

members to hold meetings in 

Russellville. 

4. Join in a regional effort 

to encourage more key 

appointments to commissions 

and boards by the Governor. 

5. Keep the business community 

updated on state legislative 

issues by sending out a new 

initiative called “Arkansas 

Watch” during session by 

email giving our members the 

latest information needed when 

contacting our state delegates. 

russellvillechamber.org

6. Sponsor legislative reception 

for the region during the 2019 

legislative session. 

Local Task Force 

1. Continue to attend city 

commission meetings and 

county commission meetings 

to stay better informed on local 

government issues. 

2. Consider sponsorship of 

appropriate appreciation 

receptions for local elected 

officials. 

3. Prepare position statements on 

local issues affecting the business 

community. 

Candidate Interviews 

Develop a forum of Candidate 

Interviews to give our members and 

the community more information 

on potentially elected officials on the 

local, state, and national platforms. 

5

Leadership Russellville 

Volunteer Executive 

Steve Mallett, City Corporation, 

Chair of Leadership Russellville 

Staff Responsibility 


Stephanie Barnes-Nickols, 

Executive Vice President - 

Chamber Programs 


The Russellville area is one 

of the major growth areas of 

Arkansas. New growth – both in 

terms of population and economy 

– means new problems, major 

new solutions to these problems 

and demands the involvement 

of informed and caring citizens. 

Leadership Russellville will offer 

informative learning opportunities 

in an atmosphere that stimulates 

participants to use both new 

and proven tools to meet the 

challenges of today and tomorrow. 

General Aim 

The objective of Leadership 

Russellville is to identify, educate 

and motivate potential leaders 

to become involved in the future 

of our community. It is aimed at 

developing a pool of well-informed 

and well-motivated men and 

women qualified to assume present 

and future leadership roles in the 

Russellville area. 

The keys to the River Valley’s 

future are knowledgeable and 

skilled leaders who have an 

awareness and understanding 

of all facets of our community, 

including government, business, 

education, recreation, utilities, 

infrastructure, housing, health 

care, social services and more. 

There is no better program to 

serve as the training ground for 

our future leaders than Leadership 

Russellville. 

1. Leadership Russellville seeks 

to develop community leaders 

by training and informing 

participants on a wide array of 

local public policy issues and 

concerns. 

2. In-depth training sessions 

focus on these issues, exploring 

their background, origin and 

present day-status. 

3. Recruitment and attainment of 

25+ delegates each year. 

4. The program covers a full 

slate of topics including 

government, the area’s 

economy, education, social 

services and much more. The 

sessions combine lectures, 

tours, dialogue and interaction 


etween speakers and 

participants. 

5. Identify and motivate 

individuals with leadership 

potential. 

6. Acquaint them with 

community needs, challenges, 

and opportunities. 

7. Offer a forum of exchange 

on methods for dealing with 

community issues 

8. Challenge potential leaders 

to become involved with local 

issues and the decision-making 

process. 

9. Challenge classes to 

organize, fund, and facilitate 

a community project that 

can meet a community need, 

improve the quality of life, 

or enhance the economy in 

Russellville. 

10. Upon graduation, Leadership 

Alumni will work together 

to help develop curriculum 

content, session agendas and 

speakers, and recruitment. 

11. The Alumni group will be set 

apart from the current class 

and will serve as ambassadors 

for the Chamber in the 

business community as needed. 

1. Begin a series of monthly 

luncheons on major topics 

of city, state, and federal 

importance. 

2. Begin consideration of 

facilitating a youth leadership 

institute; develop program 

and guideline to decide if the 

Alumni would engage in such 

an undertaking. 

3. Review the new Chamber 

organizational structure 

and consider working on 

recruitment of chamber 

members for the new seven 

major councils. 

4. Begin attending city board 

meetings, school board 

meetings, and quorum court 

meetings to show support 

to our elective officials and 

gain more insight into our 

community. 

5. Begin awarding a 

Distinguished Leadership 

Award annually at each 

Leadership class graduation. 

6. Serve as the main recruitment 

arm for the Leadership 

Russellville classes, assist when 

needed in curriculum building, 

and serve as session leaders. 

7. Assist the staff in securing 

session sponsorships and 

preparing monthly programs 

for alumni meetings. 

7

Economic Development 


Chip Blanchard, First State Bank, 

Chair of Economic Development 

Council 



Suzy Griffin, Executive Vice 

President - Economic Development 

Brittany Villeneuve, Economic 

Development and Grants 

Coordinator 


Increase employment 

opportunities for the Russellville 

area, prospect selectivity for 

compatible new business, assist 

expansion of local firms, and 

support and enhance a healthy 

business climate for our region and 

state. 


General Aims 

Coordinate with Arkansas 

Valley Alliance all activities and 

programs related to Russellville’s 

Economic and Community 

Development efforts. 

Ensure that established business 

and industry are provided the 

available assistance, resources 

manpower, and skills of the 

Russellville Chamber of 

Commerce to allow for the 

continued development of a 

good economic climate. Seek out, 

encourage, and assist new local 

business ventures. 

Russellville Area Sales 

Team 

1. Recruit top community leaders 

willing to commit their time, 

efforts, and contacts for selling 

the economic advantages of 

locating in Russellville. 

2. Work with Alliance on 

Economic Development Leads 

program. 

3. Educate such committee on the 

role they will be expected to 

play in the care and treatment 

of industrial prospects. 

4. Assess the City’s past and 

current situation regarding 

industrial diversification. This 

information could be used as 

reinforcement for potential 

prospects and allow greater 

“targeting” of future industrial 

diversification efforts. 

5. Create programs which 

may further open the door 

for cooperation between 

Russellville and its allies 

in industrial development 

including the state, banks, 

utility and railroad companies, 

real estate firms, developers, etc. 

Established Industry 

Committee 

1. Create the Established 

Industry Committee from 

representatives of local 

industrial and manufacturing 

firms, utility companies 

(electric, gas, telephone,) 

banks, and local government. 

Consider holding quarterly 

meetings in which current 

problems and discussed and 

information shared regarding 

new and expanding operations. 

2. Ensure that all local industrial 

and manufacturing firms are 

aware of the information 

and resources available to 

them through the Russellville 

Chamber of Commerce. 

Emphasis should be placed 

on such things as the Annual 

Wage and Benefit Survey, 

Chamber participation in 

the ACCRA Cost of Living 

Study, publications related to 

economic growth, availability 

of the Community Profile 

publications, etc. 

3. Develop a process through 

which local industrial and 

manufacturing concerns are 

updated on legislative issues 

affecting their operations 

from a local, state, regional, or 

national basis. 

4. Continue to organize and 

coordinate tours of local firms 

with the Alliance as a means of 

expanding the understanding 

of Russellville’s industrial and 

manufacturing sector. 

5. Pinpoint Russellville’s 

industrial and manufacturing 

concerns with the Alliance 

with the aim of developing 

a comprehensive annual 

call program which

establishes file information 

to be retained through this 

program reflecting increases 

in employment or capital 

expenditure from year to year. 

6. Consider the sponsorship of 

special programs, seminars, 

and meetings. 

7. Utilize the Arkansas Economic 

Development Institute 

(AEDI) to acquire research 

and technical assistance for 

existing industry. 

Research Task Force 

1. Initiate and direct economic 

research on the Russellville 

region and national economies 

and work in concert with the 

Arkansas Tech University. 

2. Develop and direct publication 

of economic reports on a 

variety of subjects determined 

by local and regional economic 

concerns. The major reports 

to be produced by the Research 

Task Force are: 

i. Monthly Business Trends 

– A schedule of current 

economic indicators for the 

local economy. 

ii. Business Highlights – A 

quarterly report analyzing 

local and regional economic 

developments and forecasting 

economic indicators for the 

following quarter. Included 

are a listing of major 

construction developments 

and time series charts and 

tabulations. 

iii. Economic Outlook – An 

annual publication produced 

describing the Russellville 

economic climate. The 

report provides a review 

and forecast of business and 

economic indicators, including 

population, production, 

employment, and income 

measures as well as retail, 

construction, finance, utility, 

and transportation sectors. 

iv. Economic Profile – A 

biannual publication 

presenting a wide scope of 

demographic and economic 

information on Russellville. 

Statistical data is shown from 

the perspective of historical 

trends and in comparison to 

the nationwide and statewide 

trends. 

v. Russellville Area 

Wage Survey – Develop 

a survey instrument with 

the cooperation of the 

Russellville Personnel 

Management Association for 

gathering wage and salary 

information to be used by 

local industry and industrial 

prospects. 

3. Conduct special research as 

needed concerning economic, 

legislative, tax, and other 

issues concerning the 

Chamber’s overall goals and 

objectives. 

4. Act as a liaison and referral 

capacity to all outside sources 

for economic and demographic 

data. Serve as the principal 

source for economic and 

statistical information about 

Russellville for investors, news 

media, and public officials. 

Present talks regarding the 

Russellville economy where it 

will serve Chamber objectives. 

Interview and counsel 

with prospective and local 

Russellville firms. 

Staff Responsibilities 

1. Maintain statistical 

information on the community 

and cooperate with the 

Communication Department in 

producing the annual economic 

development book. Other 

reports and publication put out 

by the department include: 

• Wage and Fringe Benefit 

Survey 

• Russellville Apartment Survey 

• Russellville Office Building 

Survey 

• In-Migration/Construction 

Permit Report 

• Industrial Areas Report 

• Air Transportation Report 

• Apartment Construction 

Report 

• Demographic and Sales Tax 

Information 

• Population and Employment 

Breakdowns 

2. Coordination and 

dissemination of information 

gathered in the American 

Chamber of Commerce 

Researchers Association 

Quarterly Cost of Living 

Index. 

3. Maintain inventory of maps 

for industrial prospects and 

internal use. 

4. Daily visits with business 

prospects visiting the city. 

9

Quality of Place 


Tonya Oates, Turning Point 

Behavioral Health, Chair of 



Tabatha Duvall, Communication 

Director 

Brittany Villeneuve, Economic 

Development Grants Coordinator 


Quality of Place is the soul of 

a successful community; the 

factors that go into it—places, 

experiences, and people—add 

up to the things that everyone 

wants in their communities. They 

have the ability to positively or 

negatively impact the quality of 

life of the people who live in, work 

in, play in, and visit Russellville 

and directly influence our future 

community and economic 

development. This group seeks 

to create extraordinary personal 

experiences in our community to 

help raise Russellville’s Quality of 

Place. 

Uncommon Communities 

Uncommon Communities is a 

program founded by Dr. Vaughn 

Grisham along with Breakthrough 


Solutions, a division of UALR. 

The program is facilitated by the 

Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, 

and consists of five counties in 

central Arkansas that share similar 

demographics and economic 

struggles. The participants in 

the program attend semimonthly 

conferences that address issues 

that these counties face, and 

present opportunities to make 

these communities desirable 

locations to live, work, and play. 

Beautification 

1. Help update areas of town 

to become more bicycle & 

pedestrian friendly 

2. Update gateways into the 

city to welcome tourists and 

travelers 

3. Research and commission 

a mural in downtown 

Russellville 

4. Support Historic Tax Credit 

projects in the River Valley 

5. Oversee a second “Paint the 

River Valley” for buildings or 

areas that need painting and 

minor carpentry or general 

clean up. 

6. Support streetscaping projects 

Health & Wellness 

1. Promote walk-ability of the 

city 

2. Plan third annual Farm to 

Fork Dinner for October 

through Uncommon Communities. 

Each Tuesday, Spring - 

Early Winter, The Russellville 

Pub Run begins at Depot Park 

and ends at a local restaurant. 

3. Develop incentives for Chamber 

member business to implement 

workplace wellness 

programs. 

Building Standards 

1. Support city’s efforts to make 

sure that buildings in town 

fit current building standards 

and to work toward modern 

standards. 

2. Work in support of El Paso 

project and other possible 

overlay districts. 

3. Support downtown progress. 

4. Support city’s efforts to expand 

complete streets. 

Parks & Recreation 

1. Support the city in their 

efforts to create a connected 

trails system throughout 

Russellville. 

2. Work with the city of 

Dardanelle to create a 

pedestrian bridge across the 

Arkansas River as a long range

goal. 

3. Research the possibility of 

creating a bridge that connects 

city trails to Ouita Island on 

Lake Dardanelle. 

4. Work to create an inclusive 

playground for children of all 

abilities within the city limits. 

Tourism 

As the second largest industry in 

Arkansas, tourism and hospitality 

play a key role in Arkansas’s 

economy but just as important, in 

our community’s economy, as well. 

Nestled between two mountain 

ranges, the Ouachitas and the 

Ozarks, along scenic Hwy 7, and 

on beautiful Lake Dardanelle, 

our community is primed for 

travelers whether visiting for 

recreation and or just away on 

business. With memberships and 

board appointments on both the 

Arkansas Hospitality Association 

– Travel Council and the River 

Valley Tri-Peaks Association, the 

Chamber is dedicated to marketing 

our community as a tourism 

destination around the state and 

beyond our borders. Involvement 

within these groups also provides 

the Chamber an opportunity to 

build relationships with tourism 

and hospitality based businesses 

allowing the Chamber a better 

opportunity to advocate on 

behalf of the industry with local, 

regional and state officials for 

legislation that actively supports 

the sustainability and growth 

of the tourism and hospitality 

sector. The Chamber will continue 

to support the education of 

future Hospitality and Tourism 

professionals through partnerships 

with ATCC and Arkansas 

Tech University - Hospitality 

Department through community 

education and advisory roles. 

11

Education 


Dr. Mark Gotcher, Russellville 

School District, Chair of 

Education 




Chamber Programs, 



Create and maintain a partnership 

between the business community 

and local education systems by 

allowing business leaders and 

educators the opportunity to share 

ideas and foster a joint vision. 

General Aims 

1. Encourage and equip schools, 

local businesses and industry 

to create and sustain ongoing 

partnerships identifying what 

graduates need to be able to 

do to be employable by local 

businesses and industry. 

2. By facilitating dialogue, 

identify current and future 

workforce training needs, and 

seek to improve availability and 

quality of workforce training 

sources 

3. Work with and support 

Arkansas Tech University in 

their community relations, 

government affairs, and 

educational efforts. 

4. Encourage and develop 

relationships with local and 

state elected officials assisting 

in their understanding of 

what legislation is needed 

or changed in an effort to 

encourage robust workforce 

opportunities for graduates. 

5. Review the pluses and minuses 

of school board elections being 

held on major election days 

to increase public support and 

awareness from the business 

community. 

6. Assist district leaders and 

business industry leaders 

on how best practices and 

standards for effective lobbying 

for quality legislation to 

encourage robust workforce 

opportunities for graduates. 

7. Educate parents on the latest 

trends and assessments of 

local workforce needs. 

8. Work to support good 

work ethic and emphasize 

dependability with our high 

school students through the 

Arkansas Scholars program 

and increase public support and 

awareness of the importance 

of Arkansas Tech University 

to our region with programs 

such as the ATU Connection 

Committee, Paint the Town 

Green and Gold, and Bash at 

the Ballpark. 

Teacher Appreciation 

Together with various businesses, 

volunteers, and local school 

districts, the Chamber is honored 

to bring a new event to our 

community recognizing some of 

the hardest working professionals, 

TEACHERS. Join the Chamber 

of Commerce as we say thank 

you for the lasting contributions 

they make in so many families’ 

lives. Education is the cornerstone 


to not just an individual’s future 

but to the future of a community. 

Show your support of our local 

educators and help us welcome 

them all back to school. 

Paint the Town Green 

and Gold 

In an effort to connect the 

communities of Russellville and 

Arkansas Tech University, the 

ATU Connection Committee 

presents a weeks worth of events 

both on the campus and in the 

community encouraging students 

and community members to 

come together and show their 

school spirit. Businesses around 

town are invited to participate in 

the window decorating contest 

showcasing their pride for Green 

and Gold. Following the contest, 

everyone is invited to attend the 

community luncheon downtown, 

the Pep Rally on campus, and 

tailgating before the kickoff on 

Saturday. 

Arkansas Scholars 

Arkansas Scholars is a program 

that gives students good reasons 

to do well in high school. Students 

are asked to meet a set of criteria 

that will prepare them for both 

the workplace and additional 

education after high school. The 

program is centered on academic 

achievement for a broad range 

of students. Beginning in the 

9th grade, students are asked 

to participate in the program 

and will remain in the program 

through their senior year as long 

as the meet a set of parameters 

based on attendance, curriculum 

completion, and average GPA. 

Sophomores and Juniors take 

place in an incentive program 

in the spring and all graduating 

seniors are invited to attend, with 

their families, a banquet in their 

honor where they will receive 

their certificate of completion 

and transcript sticker. The key 

to success for this program 

is cooperation. Business and 

education leaders work together to 

deliver a clear, effective message to 

students. 

13

Membership & Membership Relations 


Joe Wolfe, JBS, Chair of 

Membership & Membership 

Relations 


Misty Lumpkins, Director of 

Membership Relations 


Conduct an ongoing program 

of membership recruitment and 

retention through person-toperson 

sales. Conduct an overall 

Chamber relations program 

among the general public and 

the business community in 

conjunction with a community 

promotional effort. 

Provide programs, seminars, etc., 

for member involvement and use. 

Membership Services 

Our philosophy is to support 

our members and provide the 

information and tools to help them 

succeed. Our members invest 

funding, time, and knowledge 


into helping the Chamber enrich 

the organization and community. 

It is our obligation to provide 

benefits that enhance growth and 

opportunities to our members. 

Establish membership benefits and 

levels that best fit each member’s 

particular needs. We believe 

there is a growing awareness 

of the different motivations for 

membership in the Russellville 

Area Chamber. Our goal is to 

ensure that as we grow, we will 

create unique programs for each 

member to gain maximum benefit 

for their membership investment. 

Establish a permanent committee 

for assisting with delinquent 

collections, new member sales, and 

marketing sales. 

Red Coat Ambassadors 


Carl Kirtley, Chairman 



1. Recruitment campaign 

aimed at strengthening the 

membership with the Red 

Coats to carry out a more 

aggressive program. 

2. Attend ground-breaking and 

ribbon cutting ceremonies as 

representative of the Chamber. 

3. Visit and welcome new 

businesses to Russellville. 

4. Serve as official hosts and 

ushers at the Chamber Annual 

Meeting and other general 

membership meetings. 

5. Serve as greeters and hosts 

at additional functions of the 

Chamber when appropriate.

Small Business 



1. Provide a vehicle to help local 

small business owners meet 

operating needs and provide 

a base for local, state and 

national efforts. 

2. Work with the Small Business 

Administration regional 

office and Arkansas Tech 

University to develop business 

management seminars and 

educational programs to 

facilitate the success of small 

business in Russellville. 

3. Conduct discussion forums/ 

panels on economic and 

business management topics 

emphasizing current issues 

regarding compliance with 

various agencies rules/ 

procedures, economic outlook, 

etc. 

4. Sponsor pre-business seminars, 

providing materials for 

counseling and assistance to 

potential entrepreneurs thus 

helping them avoid mistakes 

and reduce failures. 

5. Offer small business career 

guidelines for high school and 

college students emphasizing 

entrepreneurship as a distinct 

career track and provide a 

general grasp on requirements 

involved in owning their own 

business. 

6. Keep abreast of legislation 

affecting small business and 

inform members through 

reports in periodic publications. 

7. Provide ongoing information 

and guidelines to assist 

prospective small business 

owners in establishing and 

operating their business in 

Russellville. 

Membership Investment Levels 

1-5 Employees $200 

6-10 $250 

11-20 $350 

21-35 $450 

36-50 $575 

51-100 $825 

101-200 $1100 

201-300+ $1625 

Individuals/Retirees $175 

Nonprofit $175 

Professional 

$250/professional 

Realty/Insurance/Financial Advisor $250+20/add’l 

Lodging 

$200+$3/unit 

Utilities 

Negotiable 

Bank 

$37/million of deposits 

15

Programs & Events 


Kylia Stewart, Suddenlink Media 

- Altice USA , & Todd Sweeden, 

Sweeden Florist, Co-Chairs of 




Executive Vice President - Chamber 

Programs 


The Events Council is comprised of 

the Program & Events Committee 

and the Expo Committee. The 

purpose of the Events Council 

is to promote new and ongoing 

membership in the Chamber. The 

Events Council helps to plan and 

implement programs during the 

year, taking a lead role in selecting 

topics and speakers, and recruiting 

individuals for presentations on 

appropriate and current business 

issues. With responsibilities ranging 

from development of new events 

to analyzing their effectiveness, 

the committee works with 

Chamber staff to design, market 

and implement these initiatives. 

Through the available committees 

and corresponding events, members 

and member organizations are 

provided with various opportunities 

to engage with the community in 

a positive way, share information 

about their products and/or services 

to a new and existing customer 

base, and grow their professional 

network. Events and Programs are 

scheduled throughout the year and 

offer a multitude of involvement 

opportunities. 

First Friday Breakfast 

Once a month, the Chamber will 

host a new event that combines 

breakfast, business networking 

and an informational business 

program. Attendees will have the 

opportunity to meet one another 

and share ideas while enjoying a 

delicious breakfast. This informative 

and exciting function is an earlymorning 

must for anyone seeking to 

network with other business owners 

and professionals. The cost for this 

event is $10 for members. The cost 

covers both the meal and program. 

Sponsorships are available for this 

event. 

Sunset Cinema 

Each summer and fall the Chamber 

invites those from the River Valley 

to Lake Dardanelle State Park for 

an evening of outdoor family fun 

with bump and jumps, food, games, 

and door prizes. Sponsored by 

Chamber of Commerce members, 

Sunset Cinema is proud to provide 

this exciting event for the 12th year. 

Pack your blanket or lawn chair and 

join us for a movie in the park. The 

cost is $1 for kids 13 and older; free 

to those 12 and younger. 

River Valley Business 

Expo 

Manufacturing, retail, hotels, 

utilities, and marketing firms are 

just some of the industries present 

at the 15th Annual River Valley 

Business Expo. Exhibitors and 

staff are invited to attend businessfocused 

breakout sessions and 

educational seminars taking place 

during set up hours. Looking 

to do some business-to-business 

networking before the big day? 

The Expo Preview Party offers 

participants and guests the 

opportunity to get a firsthand 

look at the booths, vote on best 

booth, meet with new and old 

friends, and partake in some really 

great food from area restaurants. 

The following morning, join the 

Chamber for an exciting day of 

activities, hundreds of give-aways, 

and great deals, and food 


demonstrations. Sponsorships and 

exhibitor space are available for this 

event. 

Bash at the Ballpark 

Celebrating its fifth year, Bash 

at the Ballpark is a springtime, 

community event that brings kids 

of all ages together to celebrate and 

enjoy America’s Greatest Pastime, 

Baseball! Join us in April at Tech 

Field on the campus of Arkansas 

Tech University for some great 

food, fun, pictures with Jerry 

the Bulldog, and lots of give-aways. 

Bash-ees will also have an 

opportunity to meet the Tech 

baseball team where you can get 

autographs and photos with your 

favorite player. Sponsorships are 

available for Chamber members. 

Admission and food provided 

by Bash sponsors are free to all 

attendees. 

Chamber Classic Golf 

Tournament 

Held at the Russellville Country 

Club, the Chamber Classic Golf 

Tournament is a classic, threeman 

scramble aimed at combining 

fun with business. Company and 

organization teams will pair up and 

gain insight on the pristine courses 

of our local country club. Each 

golfer will have the opportunity to 

win cash prizes and awesome holein-one 

prizes on the Par 3’s. Lunch, 

beverage and snack carts, as well as, 

goody bags will be provided for all 

golfers. Sponsorships are available. 

Annual Meeting 

The Annual Meeting is the 

Chamber’s opportunity to gather 

the general membership together 

at one time to highlight the many 

volunteers who worked directly 

with the chamber staff on activities 

and programs throughout the year. 

Led by the Chamber Chairman and 

Chair-Elect, the meeting conveys 

the various business focused 

initiatives, lobbying efforts, and 

projects facilitated by the Chamber 

staff. A keynote presentation 

begins the program, followed by 

the recognition of the Chamber’s 

Red Coat Ambassador of the Year 

and Lifetime Status recipients, and 

Russellville’s Citizen of the Year. 

Tickets will be available and the cost 

will cover the meal and program. 

Calendar 

of Events 

February 2 – First Friday 

Breakfast – Dr. Mark Gotcher, 

Russellville School District 

March 2 – First Friday Breakfast 

– Mayor Randy Horton, State of 

the City 

April 2 & 9 – Arkansas Scholars’ 

Program 

April 6 – First Friday Breakfast 

April 14 – Bash at the Ballpark 

May 4 – First Friday Breakfast 

May 4 – Chamber Classic Golf 

Tournament 

June 1 – First Friday Breakfast 

June 7 – Leadership Russellville 

Graduation 

June 8 – Sunset Cinema 

June 22 – Sunset Cinema 

July 6 – First Friday Breakfast 

August 3 – First Friday Breakfast 

August 7 – Preview Party 

August 8 – River Valley Business 

Expo 

August – Teacher’s Appreciation 

September 7 – First Friday 

Breakfast 

September 28 - Sunset Cinema 

October 5 – First Friday 

Breakfast 

November 2 – First Friday 

Breakfast 

17

2018 Sponsorship 

& Advertising menu 

Sponsorships 

Annual Meeting 

Late 2018 

• Presenting - $1000 

• Table - $400 

• Ticket - $40 

Arkansas Scholars 

Banquet 

April 2nd and 9th 

• Presenting Sponsor - $750 

• Table - $300 

Bash at the Ballpark 

April 14th 

• Diamond - $1500 

• Gold - $750 

• Green - $325 

Business Expo 

August 7th & 8th 

• Platinum - $1000 

• Gold - $750 ($875 w/ booth) 

• Silver - $500 ($700 w/ booth) 

• Bronze - $250 

• Indoor Booth - $355* 

• Outdoor Booth - $405* 

• Non-Member Booth - $580* 

• Electricity - $50 

• *$50 Early Bird Discount 

Applies 

Chamber Classic Golf 

Tournament 

May 4th 

• Beverage Cart - $1500 

• Hole-In-One - $700 

• Birdie - $500 

• Hole - $200 

• 3-Man Team - $300 

Leads Group 

• Year Membership - $120 

First Friday 

Breakfast 

First Friday of Each Month 

Feb. thru Nov. 

• Monthly Sponsor - $300 

• Ticket - $10 

Leadership 

Russellville 

Sept. thru June 

• Tuition - $600 

• Overall - $1000 

• Graduation - $1000 

• Retreat - $1000 

• Class Introduction Lunch - 

$500 

• Session - $350 

Paint the Town 

Green & Gold 

Sept. 14 - 22 

• $1000 

Sunset Cinema 

June 9, June 22, & Sept. 28 

• Show - $250 per showing 

• Evening - $125 per showing 

Advertising 

2018 - 2019 Community 

Profile and Directory 

• 1/8 Page Ad - $425 

• 1/4 Page Ad - $700 

• 1/2 Page Ad - $1350 

• Full Page Ad - $2000 

• Inside Cover - $2250 

• Back Cover - $2750 

2018 Annual Report 

Exclusive Ad - $1000 

2019 Program 

of Work 

• Exclusive Ad - $2000 

Website 

• Home Page - $125 

• Directory Page - $100 

• Area Job Page - $100 

Weekly Email 

• 2” by 4” Ad - $15 

• 6” by 4” Ad - $45 

E-Blast 

• $200 

Social Media 

Marketing Package 

Month - $200 

• Article on Chamber News 

section of website 

• One Social Media Post per 

week (Facebook, Instagram, 

and Twitter) 

Free Opportunties 

• Alphabetical and Categorial 

Listings on our online 

directory including a link to 

your email or website and in 

our printed Directory. 

• Post discounts, coupons, events, 

or update your profile from 

Members Only Portal. 

• Russellville Area Job 

Opportunties posted on our 

website 

• Business Care and Brochure 

Racks at the Chamber 

• Promotional Material in New 

Member Welcome Bags 

• Ribbon Cuttings 


2018 Chamber Officers & Council Chairs 

Adam Anderson 

Nationwide Insurance 

Chair 

Joe Wolfe 

JBS 

Vice-Chair 

Dana Caldwell 

JTS Financial 

Secretary/Treasurer 

Brad Allen 

McDonald’s 

Immediate Past Chair 

Tony Lee 

Lee’s Trash Service 

Officer 

Jim Davidson 

Saint Mary’s Regional Health System 

Officer 


First State Bank 

Officer 

Andy McNeill 

Denali Water Solutions 

Government Affairs 

Steve Mallett 

City Corporation 

Leadership 

Dr. Mark Gotcher 

Russellville School District 

Education 

Tonya Oates 

Turning Point 



First State Bank 


Joe Wolfe 

JBS 

Membership Services 

Todd Sweeden 

Sweeden Florist 


Kylia Stewart 

Suddenlink Media - Altice USA 


19

708 West Main Street, Russellville, AR 72801 

Office: 479.968.2530 Fax: 479.968.5894 

chamber@russellville.org | russellvillechamber.org 

Chamber Staff 

Paul Harvel 

President & CEO 

PHARvel@arkrivernow.com 

Stephanie Barnes-Nickols 


Chamber programs 

sbnickols@russellville.org 

Suzy Griffin 

Executive vice president - 


sgriffin@russellville.org 

Tabatha Duvall 

Communication Director 

tduvall@russellville.org 

MISTY LUMPKINS 

Director of Membership 

Relations 

MLUMPKINS@russellville.org 

charleigh Kennamore 

economic development assistant 

MLUMPKINS@russellville.org 

BRITTANY VILLENEUVE 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & GRANTS 

COORDINATOR 

BVILLENEUVE@russellville.org

2018 Program of Work

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