Annual Report - 2005
ECONOMIC, COMMUNITY, AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
North Little Rock is in the center of economic activity. Our city also 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 Chamber is also an advocate for Central Arkansas, working to ensure the region has the best chance to attract quality companies offering more and better paying jobs.
The Chamber 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 and the North Little Rock Economic Development Corporation maintain and update annually the statistical data and demographics of the area, which is provided to the city and the public free of charge. The Chamber 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.
The economy north of the river seems to be churning faster and more vibrantly than at many moments in history. New faces are emerging on our storefronts and in our industrial parks. This is a sign that our economy is thriving, people are investing in our city, building here because they believe in the future of this city or because they have just discovered Central Arkansas and want to be part of this vibrant environment. Testimony to this is through the Chamber’s 2005 highlights.
- One of the major accomplishments made by the Chamber, along with the City of North Little Rock, was the sales tax approval by North Little Rock voters to build the Dickey-Stephens Park as the new home for the Arkansas Travelers AA minor league baseball team. The Chamber helped lead the charge in passing the two-year sales tax increase to build the $28 million downtown baseball stadium for the Arkansas Travelers. The new stadium will be part of a 22-acre development with condominiums, restaurants, shops, offices and Arkansas River Marina. The stadium will sit on 11.6 acres, purchased by Little Rock financier Warren Stephens. Stephens donated the land to the City of North Little Rock for the ballpark. The stadium is set to open on April 7, 2007. The one percent sales tax is expected to generate $32 million to $33 million over two years to pay for the ballpark. At least $5 million in tax revenue will also go to improve and expand the Patrick Hays Senior Citizens Center.
- ORBEA USA, the American affiliate of the high-end Spanish bicycles manufacturer, opened its North American 27,000-square-foot distribution facility for business in downtown North Little Rock after the corporation purchased the former ABC Supply Company warehouse. ORBEA USA has been manufacturing bicycles for over 80 years and the company has been in existence for over 150 years. ORBEA USA also received economic development assistance from the North Little Rock Economic Development Corporation, the City of North Little Rock, and Arkansas Department of Economic Development which allowed the company to accelerate the move into the facility.
- One of the country’s largest wholesale liquor distributors set up shop with a new distribution center east of Rose City. Glazer’s Distributors has distribution centers in twelve states and has done business in Arkansas for more than 60 years. The new facility is part of the company’s expansion of its Central Arkansas operations. The 150,000 square-foot distribution facility employs more than 140 people.
- The Arkansas Queen Riverboat was berthed at the North Shore Maritime Center. The complex also includes the 1939 Towboat M/V Patriot, the Arkansas Inland Marine Museum, the USS Razorback submarine and the soon to arrive USS Hoga.
- Construction of the new Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Museum at ALLTEL Arena got underway, estimated at a cost of $2 million. In addition to exhibit space, it will house a 90-seat theater with surround sound. The Hall of Fame will be “top heavy” with Arkansas football, baseball and basketball. It will also feature a Pat Summerall Broadcast Booth where visitors can be video taped doing play-by-play and sections on coaching legends, national championships, NASCAR racing, Oaklawn horse racing and Southland greyhound downs, as well as an education center.
- Chamber executives from North Little Rock and Little Rock, along with state and local officials, joined North Little Rock native Joey Lauren Adams and film producer Dan Grodnik to announce that the feature film “Come Early Morning” would be shot in Central Arkansas. The film was written and directed by Adams and featured Ashley Judd in the starring role. Not only did the film have a positive economic impact on the area, but it showed the world that Arkansas has what it takes to compete in the film industry. The film was shot for five weeks at locations in and around North Little Rock and Little Rock. In addition, the Arkansas Department of Economic Development hosted Film Commission Day 2005 which was held at the Chamber.
- The BOMASADA GROUP, a Houston-based development firm, began demolition of the former Jackson Cookie Company building in downtown North Little Rock to pave way for the construction of the $20 million-plus Enclave at the Riverfront Apartments. The five-story development will be built on 3.4 acres between ALLTEL Arena and Riverfront Drive and will house 260 units. Apartments will be one and two-bedrooms, ranging from 695 to 1,484 square feet, with rental costs ranging from $700 to $1,500 monthly. The Enclave is expected to open in early 2007.
- Construction also began on the extension of a 4,300 square-foot bicycle and pedestrian bridge across Murray Lock and Dam that will connect the north and south shorelines making the Millennium bike trail 25 miles longer. The $11.4 million dollar project is scheduled for completion in 2006. When completed, the bridge project will be the longest walking and biking bridge in the nation, climbing 35 feet above the dam and 65 feet above the water.
MEMBER SERVICES AND PROGRAMS
BUSINESS FORUMS: The Business Forums committee organized ten F.Y.I. Luncheons at North Hills Country Club and the Chamber building, which provided informational programs with guest speakers such as Dr. Dan Bakke, President of Pulaski Technical College and Otis Birdsong, President & GM with the Arkansas RimRockers. The committee helped with planning the popular networking social Business After Hours. The Business After Hours events were held at the Junior League of North Little Rock Manees House, Arkansas Repertory Theatre (A Night at the Rep featuring the musical Ain’t Misbehavin’) and ALLTEL Arena (Taste of the Town). The committee also helped plan the 20th Annual Chamber Banquet featuring former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Richard Myers of the United States Air Force.
COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY: The Communications & Technology committee launched a new membership website, featuring a fully integrated member directory, an online calendar and registration for Chamber meetings and events. The new site also features direct links to member websites and email. In addition, Chamber members can now purchase banner ads for a reasonable price on the site.
EDUCATION: The Education committee put in place a Strategic Plan which included a mission, goals, tactics and timelines. The implementation of this plan will continue with supporting and assisting efforts with the North Little Rock School District and Pulaski Technical College. One of the main focuses for the committee was the Arkansas Scholars Program. The Arkansas Scholars Program was implemented in 1998 and saw the third class of scholars graduate in 2005. 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 Program, Keystone Program and Junior Achievement. The Chamber also welcomed new North Little Rock Superintendent of Schools Ken Kirspel.
GOLF: Non-dues income is important to the Chamber and was raised through special events such as the Chamber’s Annual Golf Tournament. Activities like the tournament 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 organized the tournament which was held at Burns Park Golf Course with 54 teams participating in two flights. The tournament raised over $10,000.00.
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS: The Government Relations committee serves as the liaison on legislative issues and acts as the voice to the Chamber membership. Keeping members informed and taking specific positions on key local, state, and national issues continued to be the focus of the committee. The committee was very active with the Arkansas Legislature in addressing legislative issues relating to the small employer health insurance purchasing groups and the attempts which were made to modify current legislation. The committee was successful in keeping the legislation favorable to the North Little Rock Chamber Alliance Program as it currently exists.
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS & COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Through the efforts from the Industrial Relations & Commercial Development committee, the City of North Little Rock continued to be certified as an Arkansas Community of Excellence by the Arkansas Department of Economic Development. 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 worked 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.
LEADERSHIP RENAISSANCE: The Chamber celebrated the tenth 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. Class X curriculum was built around The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Workbook by John Maxwell. In 2005, sixteen high school juniors graduated from the program.
LEADS: In its first year, the Chamber’s Leads Groups provided a structured, non-competitive environment for Chamber members to form relationships with other members and provide direct referrals and leads. On average, groups met twice monthly at the Chamber with only one member per business category in each group. In order to insure effectiveness and maximize benefits to the group, members had structured attendance requirements and paid quarterly dues.
MARKET ARKANSAS BUSINESS EXPO: On September 22nd, over 140 exhibitors convened at ALLTEL Arena for the 18th Annual Market Arkansas Business Expo. The annual food showcase, Taste of the Town, kickoffed the expo. Over 1,100 guests sampled cuisine from over 30 Chamber member restaurants, caterers and drink distributors. Pulaski Technical College was recognized at the business expo as the Chamber’s 2005 Business of the Year.
MEMBER SERVICES: The Chamber showed a steady increase in the number of members in 2005. The number of member companies was over 800 strong. The Chamber Alliance Program, a health benefits program offered to Chamber members in good standing, was also in full swing. The purpose of the CAP is to bring affordable health care coverage to small businesses with 1-199 employees. The committee also looked into implementing dental plans, cancer plans, long term and short term disability, vision, cancer and a purchasing group. The CAP has over 30 participating Chambers and over 700 total enrollments.
MILITARY RELATIONS: The economic impact of the military presence in Central Arkansas is top priority for the Military Relations committee as it seeks to ensure the stability of both Camp Joseph T. Robinson and the Little Rock Air Force Base. The committee continued to meet with military officials to discuss ways of community support and vital partnerships.
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 2005, the Camp Robinson / Camp Pike Community Council membership surpassed 100 members.
The Little Rock Air Force Base celebrated its 50th year anniversary officially on October 9th and was accompanied by a weekend of public activities, including an air show headlined by the Thunderbirds.
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 2005, the committee shook hands with hundreds of these new residents and welcomed them to the community.
MULTICULTURAL: The Multicultural committee hosted a reception at the Chamber building for representatives from Washington, DC with the League of United Latin American Citizens. The committee served to strengthen the Hispanic-owned business community by actively promoting education and communication and by increasing marketing and networking opportunities. The committee was formed in an effort 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.
NEXT GENERATION YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: NEXT Generation Young Professionals was organized in September 2005 within the Chamber to engage young professionals in civic and networking opportunities. Its purpose aims to keep young, talented professionals in Central Arkansas by creating business opportunities and community involvement. NEXT Generation hosted three after hours events and had 36 members.
PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING: The 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 tasks of the committee in 2005 was implementing the Chamber Image Campaign. The committee was influential in producing television spots with Comcast, promoting the many exiting aspects of the Chamber and North Little Rock. The committee also worked on the new Arkansas Traveler’s Baseball Park initiative communications program, as well as assist with various Chamber committees on key announcements and media events.
PULASKI COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS: The Chamber organized meetings and provided administrative assistance and meeting space to this most successful crime prevention program. In 2005, numerous crimes were solved and rewards paid after segments with information leading to the arrest of individuals representing criminal acts were aired on KARK - TV, Channel 4.
SPORTS: In March 2005, the North Little Rock Chamber Sports committee hosted for the second straight year the “Road to the Rock” Arkansas State Basketball Finals with record-breaking attendance. The committee also continued to support the North Little Rock Athletic Department with annual efforts, such as the AAAAA State Basketball Tournament and State Soccer Championships at Burns Park. The committee planned the First Annual QualChoice Junior Golf Invitational for the top 50 boys and top 20 girls in the state. The tournament was held at the Country Club of Arkansas and Burns Park Golf Course. The top three winners in each division received scholarships.
VANGUARD: The Vanguard committee served as official hosts of the Chamber and were the public relations arm of the Chamber. The Vanguard members met monthly and were awarded for their efforts through the selection of “Vanguard of the Month” and ultimately “Vanguard of the Year.” Martha Kimbrell (The Capital Bank) was named 2005 Vanguard of the Year. Vanguard winners are determined by the number of points accumulated during the month and throughout the year. The Vanguard represented the Chamber at various business and community activities. In 2005, the Vanguard celebrated approximately 30 ribbon cuttings, grand openings and ground breakings with Chamber members.
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 and new member listings. Other opportunities included sponsorships, ads, and special recognition. The newsletter was mailed to each Chamber member.
The “Community Profile / Newcomer’s Guide” 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 business expo. 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. A Relocation Packet, including listings of Civic Organizations, Churches and Apartments, is available upon request. The North Little RockCity 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 Chamber’s strategic plan focused on three areas including Workforce/Education Development, Economic Development, and Business & Industry Development and Member Services & Retention. Supplementary to the 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 North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce was accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2002 and continued to maintain its accreditation in 2005.
2005 Total Income: $740,371.19
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