Annual Report - 2004
ECONOMIC, COMMUNITY, AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
North Little Rock is in the center of economic activity. North
Little Rock enjoys a diverse business and industry base which creates
a steady-growing local economy. The North Little Rock Chamber of
Commerce is committed to the growth of a healthy tax base, an increasing
per capita income, and creating employment opportunities within
the region.
The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce provides support to the
North Little Rock Economic Development Corporation and the City
of North Little Rock as they cooperatively continue to develop and
maintain local industrial parks and recruit business and
industry to the area, as well as assisting with the expansion of
existing industry and business.
Reformed in May of 1984, the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce
celebrated its twentieth anniversary in 2004. For twenty plus years,
the Chamber has served as an advocate for the City of North
Little Rock, working to insure the area has the best chance to attract
quality companies offering more and
better paying jobs.
In October of 2004, the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce ushered
in a new era of
economic, community and workforce development with the opening of
the new Chamber Center at
100 Main Street in downtown North Little Rock. Dubbed “Commerce
Corner” by North Little Rock Mayor
Patrick Henry Hays, the intersection of Main Street and Washington
Avenue is now the home of one of the
finest economic development centers in the state. The new Chamber
Center occupies a circa 1900 building
at the foot of the Main Street bridge that was renovated to feature
a 3,500 square foot multipurpose room on
the second floor, an 820 square foot board room on the first floor,
smaller meeting rooms, and chamber offices.
The Chamber Center also houses the North Little Rock Economic Development
Corporation. A capital
campaign committee, led by Lyndell Lay and Bob Birch, secured more
than $1.2 million in donations for
purchase and construction of the Chamber Center.
One of the many economic development highlights was the groundbreaking
in early Spring 2004 for a new state of the art 150,000 square-foot
distribution facility for Glazer’s Distributors, one the nation’s
largest distributors of wines and spirits, which will employ more
than 140 people. Glazer’s Distributors is located off of Highway
165 with completion expected in the first quarter of 2005.
Pulaski Technical College officials and community leaders broke
ground in May 2004 for construction of a new Campus Center, which
will become the signature building on the college’s main campus
in North Little Rock. College officials also announced a campaign
to raise $4 million to help fund construction of the 90,000 square-foot
Campus Center project, as well as a 15,000 square-foot addition
to the college library. More than $2 million has been raised already.
In August 2004, the longest serving submarine in the world was welcomed
by more than 150 submarine veterans from across the country when
the USS Razorback made her official arrival in North Little Rock.
The USS Razorback will make its permanent home in North Little Rock
as part of the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum. Planners are raising
the $15 million needed to build the museum, which will be located
near the I-30 river bridge on the Arkansas River.
The William J. Clinton Presidential Center, a $165-million institute
and the nation’s 12th presidential library, opened its doors
to the public in November of 2004. The library is located on the
banks of the Arkansas River in downtown Little Rock’s River
Market District. Also being restored and converted for pedestrian
use is an 1899 railroad bridge which crosses the Arkansas River
into North Little Rock.
North Little Rock Mayor Patrick Hays announced in the fourth quarter
of 2004 that he will recommend that the city enter into a collaborative
agreement with the Little Rock business man, Warren Stephens, to
master plan approximately 22 acres of riverfront property for a
mixed-use development that would include a professional baseball
stadium. The riverfront ballpark complex will be built on 11 acres
of land owned by Stephens adjacent to an additional 11 acres owned
by North Little Rock. The executive committee of the Arkansas Travelers
has tentatively agreed to move the AA Travelers to the new facility
to be constructed on approximately 7 acres being donated by Stephens
contiguous to and east of the Broadway Bridge. Construction could
begin on the new ballpark as early as summer 2005.
Central Arkansas Transit’s 2.5-mile River Rail Streetcar Line
began its official operation and celebrated its grand opening in
November 2004. The cost of building Phase 1 of the River Rail was
approximately $19.5 million with federal funds paying for 80 percent
of the total. Preliminary work has begun on Phase 2 of the River
Rail, which will connect Phase 1 routes to the President Clinton
Library and Heifer International Headquarters. Phase 2 is expected
to be completed by the end of 2005.
The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the maintenance
and development of existing businesses and industry in the area,
as well as an emphasis on socially and economically distressed areas,
facilitating change within the community. The Chamber is committed
to the North Little Rock Main Street Program and provides support
and leadership through Board participation. The Chamber works closely
with the Downtown Merchants Association and Argenta CDC and is dedicated
to continuing cooperative efforts. The Chamber also supports the
community development efforts of both entities. The Chamber, in
cooperation with the North Little Rock Advertising and Promotions
Commission, continues to provide current information to prospective
visitors and newcomers. The Chamber also works closely with city
and county officials concerning development in the North Little
Rock area. The Chamber and the North Little Rock Economic Development
Corporation maintain and update (annually) the statistical data
(demographics) of the area, which is provided to the city and the
public free of charge.
MEMBER EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
BUSINESS FORUMS: The Business Forums Committee
organized ten F.Y.I. luncheons at North Hills Country Club during
2004, which provided informational programs with guest speakers
such as Keith Jackson with P.A.R.K. and Bill Valentine with the
Arkansas Travelers. In 2004, the committee planned the Network:
North Little Rock (Business After Hours) quarterly events and the
Annual Chamber Banquet. Former Under Secretary Asa Hutchinson with
Border & Transportation Security for the Department of Homeland
Security was the keynote speaker and spoke on behalf of “Homeland
Security & Its Impact on Business”.
COMMUNICATIONS / TECHNOLOGY: The Communications
/ Technology Committee is charged with increasing the visibility
of the Chamber in North Little Rock and Central Arkansas and increasing
the communications among Chamber members, between staff and members,
and between the Chamber and the community at large. The committee
focused in 2004 on two projects and two ongoing tasks: website redesign
and a new phone system for the new Chamber Center; and ensuring
communications between committees and analyzing technology needs
of the North Little Rock Chamber. The new Chamber website was released
in October 2004, coinciding with the opening of the new Chamber
Center.
EDUCATION: The Arkansas Scholars program was implemented
in 1998 and saw the second class of scholars graduate in 2004. Each
year, all eighth-grade students are introduced to the program by
business leaders and given the opportunity to participate beginning
in the 9th year of school. In cooperation with the North Little
Rock School District, the Chamber continues to participate in the
Partners in Education Program, Vital Link, and Keystone Program
and also supports the efforts of Junior Achievement.
LEADERSHIP RENAISSANCE: The Chamber celebrated
the 9th year of its leadership development program for the youth
of North Little Rock. The program is designed to enhance leadership
development of potential future leaders of the community. In 2004,
twelve students graduated from the program. A graduation reception
was held in their honor in April 2004.
PULASKI COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS: The Chamber organizes
meetings and provides administrative assistance and meeting space
to this most successful crime prevention program. In 2004, numerous
crimes were solved and rewards paid after segments were aired on
KARK - TV, Channel 4.
MEMBER SERVICES: The Chamber has shown a steady
increase in the number of members over the past year. The number
of member companies was over 750 strong and all member representatives
exceeded 1000. In 2004, the Member Services Committee focused on
providing beneficial services to Chamber members. On October 19,
the North Little Rock Chamber announced the formation of Arkansas’
very first health insurance purchasing group or HIPG, designated
as the Chamber Alliance Program (CAP). The purpose of the CAP was
to bring affordable health care coverage to small businesses (1-100)
that are members of the North Little Rock Chamber. Chamber members
in good standing are now able to purchase health care coverage that
brings significant changes in the way that health care coverage
is delivered to small business. The CAP is being offered “exclusively”
by the North Little Rock Chamber.
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS / COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT: With
the work from the Industrial Relations / Commercial Development
Committee, the City of North Little Rock was awarded as an Arkansas
Community of Excellence by the Arkansas Department of Economic Development
and Governor Mike Huckabee on February 19, 2004 at City Hall. The
certification adds North Little Rock to the list of progressive
cities across the country committed to attracting new industry.
Another important component of maintaining this certification is
industry visitation. The committee was tasked with visiting businesses
and developing a good relationship with the industries through regular
contact. The committee also works with these industries to help
resolve workforce issues and any other areas that may be of concern
to them that is within our circle of influence.
MILITARY RELATIONS: The economic impact of the
military presence in central Arkansas is top priority for the Military
Relations Committee as they seek to ensure the stability of both
Camp Robinson and the Little Rock Air Force Base. In 2004, the committee
continued to meet with military officials to discuss ways of community
support and vital partnerships. The committee continually receives
updates from the Little Rock Air Force Base and Camp Robinson concerning
issues that could adversely affect either installation.
The Military Relations Committee helped organize the “Yellow
Ribbon Support Party”, a military appreciation event, at Fox
& Hound on October 7. Gift boxes were given away to families
of deployed servicemen and women so they could be mailed to their
loved ones.
Camp Robinson / Camp Pike Community Council was organized in 2003
through many efforts of working with Camp Robinson and Camp Pike
officials to assist with the organization of a community council
much like the Little Rock Air Force Base Community Council. Camp
Robinson / Camp Pike Community Council provides the link between
the civilian community and the military. The council offers support
by being an organized advocate for the military. In 2004, the Camp
Robinson / Camp Pike Community Council membership doubled from the
previous year.
Committee members continued to attend the Right Start Program at
the Little Rock Air Force Base. Each month, bags filled with information
about Central Arkansas businesses were delivered to airmen up through
high ranking officers and their families coming here for a tour
of duty at the Little Rock Air Force Base. Throughout 2004, the
committee shook hands with hundreds of these new residents and welcomed
them to the community.
Volunteers and Chamber staff continue to serve on the LRAFB Community
Council, which is the vital link between the civilian community
and the military. Representatives from the Air Force, Arkansas National
Guard, and the Marines continue to serve on the Chamber Board of
Directors.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS: Keeping members informed
and taking specific positions on key local, state, and national
issues continued to be the focus of the Government Relations Committee.
The Government Relations Committee serves as the liaison on legislative
issues and acts as the voice to the Chamber membership.
In 2004, the North Little Rock Chamber endorsed passage of Amendment
2, allowing Arkansas and our region to be on a level playing field
with other states so we can win the competition for new business
and industry and more and better-paying jobs. Amendment 2 gives
the General Assembly the authority to issue general obligations
bonds for the specific purpose of attracting “super projects.”
VANGUARD: The Vanguard Committee serves as the public relations
arm of the Chamber and assisted with making hundreds of personal
contacts in 2004. The Vanguard members meet monthly and are awarded
for their efforts through the selection of “Vanguard of the
Month” and ultimately “Vanguard of the Year.”
Vanguard winners are determined by the number of points accumulated
during the month and throughout the year. The North Little Rock
Chamber of Commerce Vanguard represented the Chamber at various
business and community activities. In 2004, the Vanguard celebrated
approximately 40 grand openings and groundbreakings with Chamber
of Commerce members.
SPORTS: The Sports Committee is designated with
the planning and executing of sporting events in the Central Arkansas
area. In March 2004, the North Little Rock Chamber Sports Committee,
with ALLTEL Arena and the Arkansas Activities Association, hosted
the “Road to the Rock” Arkansas State Basketball Finals
with record-breaking attendance. The committee, with the Martin
Luther King Commission, sponsored the “Battle of the Border”
Arkansas vs. Tennessee Basketball Challenge on January 19, 2004
at ALLTEL Arena. The committee also continued to support the North
Little Rock Athletic Department with annual efforts, such as the
AAAAA State Basketball Tournament, Boys and Girls Holiday Basketball
Tournament, and State Soccer Championships at Burns Park. In August
2004, the committee held a “Meet and Greet” with the
University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Head Men’s Basketball
Coach, Steve Shields, at Fox & Hound in North Little Rock.
SPECIAL EVENTS: Non-dues income is important to
the Chamber and must be raised through special events. Fifty percent
of the Chamber’s revenue comes from these special activities
such as the Annual Golf Tournament and the “Night at the Rep.”
These activities offer members the opportunity to network; and through
sponsorship, members can showcase their business before hundreds
of potential customers as well as support the efforts of the Chamber.
The Golf Committee members organized the Annual Golf Tournament
held at Burns Park with over 46 teams participating. The “Night
at the Rep” Committee organized “Night at the Rep”
& Silent Auction, which was held at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre
featuring the musical Dreamgirls.
PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING: The newly formed
Public Relations & Marketing Committee was formed to market
and promote the North Little Rock Chamber’s accomplishments
and achievements to the Chamber membership and the community, as
well as increase the recognition and support for the Chamber’s
mission and program of work. One of the main tasks of the PR &
Marketing Committee in 2004 was planning the new Chamber Center
grand opening event on October 14 & 15. The committee also participated
in the North Little Rock Centennial celebration “Celebrate
North Little Rock: Party of the Century” marking North Little
Rock’s emergence as an independent city. The committee continued
to implement the Chamber image campaign and assist in marketing
and promotion of Chamber special events. The committee also worked
with various Chamber committees on key announcements and media events.
MULTICULTURAL: The Multicultural Committee serves
to strengthen the Hispanic-owned business community by actively
promoting education and communication and by increasing marketing
and networking opportunities. The newly formed committee’s
first effort was to try to establish the “need” within
the Hispanic community for the services that the chamber could either
provide or “help pave the way” for. To do this, the
committee identified local business leaders that the committee members
could pay an informal visit to and try to establish a working relationship.
MARKET ARKANSAS BUSINESS EXPO: The Market Arkansas
Committee organized one of the most successful trade shows in Central
Arkansas in 2004. The 17th Annual Market Arkansas Business Expo
was “On The Right Track” showcasing over 140 exhibitors
in ALLTEL Arena. The show was cosponsored by KARK-TV Channel 4 and
entertained over 5,000 attendees. “Taste of the Town”
was held the evening prior to the show on the upper concourse level
at ALLTEL Arena with hundreds of attendees enjoying great food,
great beverages, and great networking.
PUBLICATIONS: The “NorthShore” quarterly
newsletter kept members informed and gave them an opportunity to
showcase their businesses through committee involvement, special
projects and events, or serving on the Board of Directors. New Chamber
members were highlighted through ribbon cuttings/groundbreakings,
new member listings, and attending the New Member Induction Ceremony.
Other opportunities included sponsorships, ads, and special recognition.
The newsletter was mailed to each Chamber member.
The “Community Profile” is published annually with
two free listings of all Chamber members. Members are also given
the opportunity to place a personalized ad in the publication. Several
thousand are produced and used as the primary promotional publication.
The “Market Arkansas Insert” gives exhibitors and their
businesses opportunity for name exposure. This insert is placed
in “Arkansas Business” prior to the trade show. Sponsors
of the event are listed free.
Other publications available at the Chamber office include:
Office-Retail-Warehouse Lease Guide, Central Arkansas Manufacturers
Directory and a complete Demographic Profile of the area. Free listings
of all Civic Organizations, Churches and Apartments are available
for the asking. The North Little Rock City Map is produced by the
Chamber.
A Brochure Rack is located in the Chamber office; all members are
welcome to place their business card or brochure in the rack free
of charge. Members have the opportunity to place a personalized
ad on the rack annually. Spaces are limited.
STRATEGIC ISSUES
To best meet the needs of chamber-member businesses and the North
Little Rock community, the North Little Rock Chamber strategic plan
focuses on three strategic areas to include Workforce/Education
Development, Economic Development, and Business & Industry Development
and Member Services & Retention. Supplementary to this strategic
plan, the Chamber produces a program of work on an annual basis
with specific action items to meet the overall goals.
U.S. CHAMBER ACCREDITATION
The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce is one of the only few
local Chambers in Central Arkansas to achieve U.S. Chamber Accreditation.
The Accreditation Program was established by the U.S. Chamber to
recognize Chambers of Commerce for their effective organization
and outstanding performance. It is a voluntary program in which
local Chambers of Commerce analyze their operations and submit their
findings in an Evaluation Report to the U.S. Chamber. If the report
is satisfactory, a U.S. Chamber representative visits the local
chamber and determines whether or not to recommend Accreditation
to the Accrediting Board, a panel of members of the U.S. Chamber’s
board of directors selected by U.S. Chamber Chairman. The Accrediting
Board reviews the application and then votes on final Accreditation
for the local chamber. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s
largest business federation, representing more than three million
businesses and organizations of every size sector, and region. Also,
only 10% of the chambers are currently accredited - only a few brave
souls have challenged themselves against some pretty high standards.
The North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce was accredited by the
U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2002 and continued to maintain its accreditation
in 2004.
2004 Annual Budget: $666,350.00
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