2019-2020 Program of Work

2019 - 2020 

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 2019. 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 Adam Anderson 

for implementing a new 

organizational structure aimed at 

chamber member participation. 

The new Program of Work 

structure followed by ten months 

of hard work qualified our 

chamber to receive accreditation 

from the United States Chamber 

of Commerce. This prestigious 

recognition is only held by five 

other chambers in the state. This 

is a major accomplishment and 

highlight of the 2018 year. 

There were the seven new 

councils formed, of which four 

of them were very active in 2018. 

They are Governmental Affairs, 

Leadership, Member Services, and 

Programs and Events. In 2019 we 

will start up the three remaining 

councils established but not 

russellvillechamber.com 

ignited because of time restraints 

in accomplishing the chamber 

accreditation goal. 

Major emphasis this year 

will be placed on Quality of Place, 

Business Retention and Expansion, 

and Education. Quality of 

Place implementation and 

accomplishment will be a major 

focus for 2019. I can assure you 

that the Quality of Place Council 

will be at the forefront in helping 

our community be more 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, Kylia Stewart, Arkansas 

Tech, Brad Allen, McDonalds, 

Adam Anderson, Nationwide, and 

Todd Sweeden, Sweeden Florist. 

I am enthusiastic about 

our new emphasis on Quality of 

Place and Business Retention 

and Expansion. Work Force 

Development will be the 

cornerstone of the Business 

Retention and Expansion under 

the guidance of Dr. Mark Gotcher, 

Russellville School District and 

Mark Clark, Rockline. 

We look forward to 

adding the chamber’s resources 

of staff and financial support 

to compliment the Russellville 

Regional Alliance for Economic 

Development, which had a very 

good year in 2018. 

We should be thankful that 

Russellville is an excellent product 

for the chamber to market and 

continually improve. 

Joe Wolfe 

JBS 

2019 Chairman of the Board

Membership 

Board 

Officers 

Organizational Chart 

Government 

Affairs 

Business Leader 

Andy McNeill 

Staff Leader 

Paul Harvel 

Angela Bonds 

Leadership 


Steve Mallett 

Staff Leader 

Paul Harvel 

Angela Bonds 

Business 

Retention & 

Expansion 


Chip Blanchard 

Staff Leader 

Paul Harvel 

Suzy Griffin 

Quality of 

Place 


Tonya Oates 

Staff Leader 

Tabatha Duvall 

Paul Harvel 

Education 


Dr. Mark Gotcher 

Staff Leader 

Angela Bonds 

Donna Kennamore 

Membership 

Services 


Brad Allen 

Adam Anderson 

Staff Leader 

Misty Lumpkins 

Programs & 

Events 

Business Leaders 

Todd Sweeden 

Kylia Stewart 

Staff Leader 

Donna Kennamore 

State Class Established 

Industries 

Federal Alumni Industry 

Recruitment 

Local Recruitment Established 

Retail 

Candidate 

Forums 

Transportation 

Workforce 

Development 

Tourism 

Beautification 

Building 

Standards 

Parks & 

Recreation 

Arkansas 

Scholars 

Arkansas Tech 

University 

Teacher 

Appreciation 

Recruitment 

Reevaluation 

Engagement 

Curriculum Shop Local Health & 

Retention 

Wellness 

Customer 

Service 

Red Coat 

Ambassadors 

Leads Group 

First Friday 

Breakfast 

Annual 

Meeting 

River Valley 

Business Expo 

Golf 

Tournament 

Top Investor 

Stewards 

Feedback 

Staff Goals & Objectives 

Job Creation & Retention 

• Existing Industry 

• Workforce Development 

• New Capital 

Total Resource Campaign 

Membership 

• Permanent Year Round 

Sales Group 

• Retention 

• New Member Sales 

• Sponsorships 

• Retail Visitation 

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 

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 

Angela Bonds, Director of 

Government Affairs & Leadership 

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.com

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. Continue to attend city council 

meetings, school board meetings 

and quorum court meetings to 

show support to our elective 

officials and gain more insight 

into our community. 

4. 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

Russellville Regional 

Leadership Academy 

Volunteer Executive 

Steve Mallett, City Corporation, 

Chair of Leadership Russellville 

Staff Responsibility 


Angela Bonds, Director of 

Government Affairs & Leadership 


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. Russellville 

Regional Leadership Academy 

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 the Russellville 

Regional Leadership Academy 

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 Russellville 

Regional Leadership Academy. 

1. In-depth training sessions 

focus on local issues, exploring 

their background, origin and 

present day-status. 

2. Recruitment and attainment of 

30 delegates each year. 

3. 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 

between speakers and 

participants. 

4. Identify and motivate 

individuals with leadership 

potential. 

5. Acquaint delegates with 

community needs, challenges, 

and opportunities. 

6. Offer a forum of exchange 

on methods for dealing with 

community issues 

7. Challenge potential leaders 

to become involved with local 

issues and the decision-making 

process. 

8. 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. 

Leadership Alumni 

1. Upon graduation, Leadership 

Alumni will work together 

to help develop curriculum 

content, session agendas and 

speakers, and recruitment. 

2. Begin a series of quarterly 

luncheons on major topics 

of city, state, and federal 

importance. 

3. Begin consideration of 

facilitating a youth leadership 

institute; develop program 

and guideline to decide if the 

Alumni would engage in such 

an undertaking. 

4. Review the new Chamber 

organizational structure 

and consider working on 

recruitment of chamber 

members for the new seven 

major councils. 

5. Recognize a Distinguished 

Leadership Award annually 

at each Leadership class 

graduation. 

6. Serve as the main recruitment 

arm for the Leadership 

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

Business Retention & Expansion 


Chip Blanchard, First State Bank, 

Chair of Economic Development 

Council 



Suzy Griffin, Executive Vice 

President - Economic Development 


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 Russellville Regional 

Economic Development 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 Russellville Regional 

EDA on Economic Development 

Leads program. 

3. 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. 

4. 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 are discussed 

and information is shared 

regarding new and expanding 

operations. 

2. Partner with the Russellville 

Regional EDA to evaluate, 

enhance, and execute the 

established business-and-industry 

visitation program for major 

employers. 

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 Russellville Regional 

EDA as a means of expanding the 

understanding of Russellville’s 

industrial and manufacturing 

sector. 

5. Pinpoint Russellville’s industrial 

and manufacturing concerns 

with the Russellville Regional 

EDA 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. Utilize the Arkansas Economic 

Development Institute (AEDI) 

to acquire research and technical 

assistance for existing industry. 

Workforce 

Development 

1. Support the enhancement of 

the Workforce Development 

program. Assist with workforce 

recruitment to the area and with 

skills development of existing 

workforce. Communicate with 

local employers, private training 

providers, and public educators to 

promote and define the Workforce 

Development program. 

2. Plan and execute a Workforce 

Development Summit that will 

bring together stakeholders 

from private industry, education, 

workforce development, and 

economic development to 

understand best thinking on 

integrated talent development 

practices. 

3. Host and promote the Skilled 

Trade Expo, designed to increase 

interest and awareness of skilled 

trades in Jr. and Sr. High students 

in the region. 

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. Russellville Area Wage Survey- 

Develop a survey instrument 

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. 

Promote Retail & Shop 

Local initiative 

1. Communicate and assist 

Russellville Regional EDA 

maintain list of available building 

and retail space. 

2. Develop a marketing campaign 

for available retail space with the 

Russellville Regional EDA. 

3. Attend the ICSC retail conference 

in Fort Worth and evaluate future 

promotions at similar events. 

4. Attend the ICSC retail 

conference in Las Vegas to gather 

information and promote the 


5. Develop and promote a Shop 

Local campaign using on-line 

marketing and traditional 

marketing strategies. 

6. Survey all local retail 

businesses every other year for 

their challenges, successes, and 

local trends. 

Promote 

Entrepreneurship & 

Innovation CENTER 

1. Work closely with the Russellville 

Regional EDA, the City of 

Russellville, and Arkansas Tech 

University to enhance the climate 

for entrepreneurial growth and 

talent development. 

2. Establish a task force to assess 

local entrepreneurial resources. 

3. Work with the City of 

Russellville and Arkansas Tech 

University to promote and 

develop the Innovation Center 

in Down Town Russellville, 

and coordinate entrepreneurial 

resources. 

4. Work with the Russellville 

Regional EDA and the Arkansas 

Small Business Training and 

Development Center (ASBTCD) 

to create a local innovation 

entrepreneurship toolkit. 

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 Benefit Survey 

• Industrial Areas Report 

• Inventory of available Retail 

Space 

• 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. 

5. Promote Retail/ Shop Local 

initiative 

6. Develop and promote a Shop 

Local campaign using on-line 

marketing and traditional 

marketing strategies 

7. Communicate and assist 

Russellville Regional EDA 

maintain list of available building 

and retail space 

8. Develop a marketing piece, 

including on-line marketing for 

available retail space with the 

Russellville Regional EDA. 

9. Attend the ICSC retail conference 

in Fort Worth and evaluate future 

promotions at similar events. 

10. Attend the ICSC retail 

conference in Las Vegas to gather 

information and promote the 


11. Survey all local retail businesses 

every other year for their 

challenges, successes, and local 

trends. 

12. Work closely with the Russellville 

Regional EDA, the City of 

Russellville, and Arkansas Tech 

University to enhance the climate 

for entrepreneurial growth and 

talent development. 

13. Establish a task force to assess 

local entrepreneurial resources. 

Develop a strategy to focus 

resources, optimize availability 

and coordination between 

the Russellville Chamber of 

Commerce, Russellville Regional 

EDA, City of Russellville, and 

Arkansas Tech University. 

14. Work with the City of 

Russellville and Arkansas Tech 

University to promote and 

develop the Innovation Center in 

Downtown Russellville. 

15. Work with the Russellville 

Regional EDA and the Arkansas 

Small Business Training and 

Development Center (ASBTCD) 

to create a local innovation 

entrepreneurship toolkit. 

9

Quality of Place 


Tonya Oates, Turning Point 

Behavioral Health, Chair of 



Tabatha Duvall, Communication 

Director 



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. 

Beautification 

The region has a shared 

beautification plan and programs 

in place to improve the overall 

appearance of the major 

thoroughfares, state highways, and 

Interstate 40 entrances and exits 

for the region. Attractive and wellmaintained 

roadways give people 

an immediate impression about 

a place, and there is no second 

chance to make a first impression. 

Welcoming entrances to the 

region will invite people to stop 

and spend time and money. 

Short term objective: Create an 

inventory of places to be improved 

and identify the resources to begin. 

Long term objective: An on-going 

beautification program is in 

place and all of the entrances 

to the region and the major 

thoroughfares reflect the pride of 

the community through streetscaping 

and other techniques to 

constantly improve the quality of 

place. 

Time frame: Begin immediately and 

then on-going 

Strategic actions 

1. Be engaged in a five year 

beautification plan for the 

region along with the city, 

county, school district, and 

higher education 

2. Help update areas of town 

to become more bicycle & 

pedestrian friendly 

3. Update gateways into the city 

to welcome tourists, travelers, 

and outside business interests 

4. Research the probability of 

commissioning a mural in 

downtown Russellville 

5. Support Historic Tax Credit 

projects in the River Valley 

6. Consider a second “Paint the 

River Valley” for buildings or 

areas that need painting and 

minor carpentry or general 

clean up. 

Health & Wellness 

1. Promote walk-ability of the 

city. 

2. Plan fourth annual Farm to 

Fork Dinner for October. 

3. Develop incentives for 

Chamber member businesses to 

implement workplace wellness 

programs. 

Building Standards 

1. Encourage 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 cities of 

Dardanelle & Russellville 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 

Tourism and hospitality play a 

key role in Arkansas’s economy 

but just as importantly, in our 

community’s economy. 

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. 

Continue memberships to both the 

Arkansas Hospitality Association 

– Travel Council and the River 

Valley Tri-Peaks Association 

provide 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. 

The possibility of a baseball 

tournament facility has 

been proposed to the city of 

Russellville. On behalf of the 

city, the Chamber will support the 

community in determining the 

feasibility of such projects. 

Marketing 

In today’s world, Quality of Life 

is just as an important component 

of Economic Development as 

certified sites, incentives, and other 

traditional attractors. Many major 

employers stated that recruiting 

and keeping highly skilled 

employees has proven difficult. 

Short term objective: Fill current 

vacancies at our established 

industries. 

Long term objective: Minimize 

turnover rates and the number of 

vacancies at our largest employers. 

Time frame: On-going 

Responsible Organizations: 

Russellville Area Chamber 

of Commerce, Advertising 

and Promotions Commission, 

Russellville Regional Economic 

Development Alliance, public 

education, higher education, 

Employers, City and County 

Government, other promotional 

organizations 

Strategic actions: 

1. The Alliance and Chamber 

are working with Aristotle 

on an Employee Recruitment 

& Economic Development 

Marketing Strategy, that will 

focus on what Russellville and 

the River Valley has to offer to 

employees and their families. 

Marketing will primarily take 

place online. 

2. The Alliance and Chamber 

will continue to market the 

region using our quality 

education systems, the citywide 

trail system, parks, 

disk-golf courses, world class 

bass fishing, and our location 

on Lake Dardanelle nestled 

between two National Forests 

and four state parks as charms 

for employees and employers 

alike. 

11

Education 


Dr. Mark Gotcher, Russellville 

School District, Chair of 

Education 


Donna Kennamore - Office 

Manager/ Events Coordinator 

Angela Bonds - Director 

of Government Affairs and 

Leadership 

Paul Harvel - President/CEO 


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 

skills 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 week’s worth of 

activities and events 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 and 

showcasing their pride for Green 

& Gold. A downtown festival is 

held and includes local bands, a 

pep-rally, children’s games led by 

Arkansas Tech athletes, and more. 

The week culminates with the 

traditional Party in the Plaza and 

football game at Thone Stadium. 

The 4th annual Paint the Town 

Green & Gold event is set for 

September 9-14, 2019. 

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 reliability 

and citizenship 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 graduation as long as 

they meet a set of parameters 

based on attendance, curriculum 

completion, and average GPA. 

Sophomores and juniors take 

part 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. 

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13

Membership & Membership Relations 


Brad Allen, McDonald’s 

Adam Anderson, Nationwide 

Insurance 

Co-Chairs 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 

1. 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. 

2. 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. 

3. Establish a permanent 

Membership Sales Team for 

assisting with delinquent 

collections, new member sales, 

and marketing sales. 

Red Coat Ambassadors 


Amanda Johnson, 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 representatives 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.

Tiered Dues 

1. Permanent Year Round Sales 

Program 

2. Staff Directives 

• Delinquent Calls 

• New Member Sales 

• Sponsorships 

• Retention Visits 

• Reevaluation 

3. Commission Sales 

4. Full Time Staff Employee 

5. Board Members 

6. Campaign 

Small Business 



1. Facilitate the Leads Group 

meetings and keep track 

of all leads generated and 

revenue generated for 

its members. Work with 

members to grow the 

group with the other noncompetitive 

members. 

2. Keep abreast of legislation 

affecting small business 

and inform members 

through reports in periodic 

publications. 

The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce is transitioning to 

a Tiered Membership system for all of our valued partners. We 

are confident that you will agree that a tiered model recognized 

the diversity of our membership and provides tangible value and 

return on your investment by allowing companies to invest at a 

level that best suits their needs. This transition positions RACC 

with an even greater ability to meet the evolving needs and 

expectations of our local business community. 

We have developed ten tiered membership packages for you to 

choose from upon your joining or renewal, with a focus on adding 

tangible value to you! 

For information about our tier levels, please see the graph 

included in our new member folders. 

15

Programs & Events 


Kylia Stewart, Arkansas Tech 

University 

Todd Sweeden, Sweeden Florist, 

Co-Chairs of Programs & Events 


Donna Kennamore - Office 

Manager/ Events Coordinator 


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 an 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. Sponsorships are 

available for this event. 

River Valley Business 

Expo 

Manufacturing, retail, hotels, 

utilities, and marketing firms are 

just some of the industries present 

at the 16th Annual River Valley 

Business Expo. We are excited 

to announce a new date change, 

and with that date being at the 

beginning of the summer and our 

2019 theme: Live Like You’re on 

Vacation, we hope to showcase 

summer activities in the River 

Valley. The Expo Fashion Show will 

get you ready for beautiful summer 

weather highlighting current 

trends. Exhibitors and staff are 

invited to attend business-focused 

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. 


Manage Your Business... 

Whenever, Wherever 

The following morning, join the 

Chamber for an exciting day of 

activities, hundreds of give-aways, 

and food and entertainment 

demonstrations. Sponsorships and 

exhibitor space are available for this 

event. 

Bash at the Ballpark 

Celebrating its sixth 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 April 6th 

at Baswell Field on the campus of 

Arkansas Tech University for some 

great food, fun, pictures with Jerry 

the Bulldog, and lots of give-aways. 

Bash attendees 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 economic 

advancement of our community. 

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 by 

Manage your accounts from the palm of 

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Member FDIC 

a prominent Arkansas leader will 

highlight the meeting, 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. 

17

2019 Chamber Officers & Council Chairs 

Joe Wolfe 

JBS 

Chair 

Dana Caldwell 

JTS Financial 

Vice-Chair 

Jim Davidson 

Saint Mary’s Regional Health System 

Secretary/Treasurer 

Adam Anderson 

Nationwide Insurance 

Immediate Past Chair 


First State Bank 

Officer 

Dustin Morphis 

Bridgestone/Firestone 

Officer 

Jennie Phillips 

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 

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 

Business Retention and Expansion 

Adam Anderson 

Nationwide Insurance 


Brad Allen 

McDonald’s 


Todd Sweeden 

Sweeden Florist 


Kylia Stewart 

Arkansas Tech University 



Awards & Recognition 

Russellville is the only community 

in the state of Arkansas to hold 

all three of the designations 

shown on the back cover. As 

your Chamber and Economic 

Development organizations, 

we are grateful to our local 

government partners, our boards 

and volunteers, our members and 

supporters, and our staff for the 

hard work and dedication behind 

these achievements. 

A 4-Star Accreditation from the 

U.S. Chamber of Commerce 

was awarded to the Russellville 

Area Chamber of Commerce 

in November 2018. The U.S. 

Chamber Accreditation is the only 

national program that recognizes 

chambers for their effective 

organizational procedures and 

community involvement. Only 

six Chambers in Arkansas are 

currently accredited. 

In October 2018, after a 

comprehensive review and 

documentation process, Entergy 

Arkansas certified a 60-acre 

industrial site owned by the 

Russellville Regional Alliance 

as a Select Site. At the time, 

Russellville was one of only three 

cities in the state with a Select 

Site. The Select Site certification 

program is a 50-point certification 

process that satisfies shovel-ready 

site requirements by prospective 

companies and site location 

consultants. 

The Arkansas Economic 

Development Commission (AEDC) 

announced that Russellville 

successfully completed the 

Competitive Communities 

Initiative evaluation in December 

2018. Being designated as a 

Competitive Community signifies 

a level of preparedness to 

successfully compete for jobs and 

investments. Best practices in the 

field of economic development 

were used to determine the 

standards for the Competitive 

Communities initiative. At the 

time, Russellville was one of only 

three cities in the state with this 

designation. 

708 West Main Street, Russellville, AR 72801 

Office: 479.968.2530 Fax: 479.968.5894 

chamber@russellvillechamber.com | russellvillechamber.com 

19

ussellvillechamber.com

2019-2020 Program of Work

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