Welcome to the Fayetteville Chamber Blog

On September 27th we announced the winners of the 5th Annual Excellence in Business Awards. Each week we'll spotlight one of those winners and the great work they are doing in the Fayetteville business community. You can see the full list of winners here. This week we'll hear from Tim Caffrey, Director of Engineering and Marketing for NWA 3D, Startup Company of the Year.

Tell us a little about your business.
Our mission is to make 3D printing easy for everyone—especially teachers and students. We do this in three ways: by selling reliable, easy-to-use printers, by providing the training that is essential for successful outcomes, and by offering lifetime support, including a one-year, no-questions-asked warranty. Our business model is unique in the level of post-sale value we deliver to customers.

What do you love most about the work you do?
One of our core values states, "Do cool things, meet cool people." It summarizes our experience as a small entrepreneurial company in the 3D printing and education technology markets. We meet passionate teachers, brilliant students, and tech-savvy collaborators on a daily basis. We work on novel projects that force us to learn all the time, pushing our capabilities and knowledge in the emerging technology of digital manufacturing. 

What has your business accomplished that you are most proud of?
It's tempting to answer, "Survived!" We are proud of the fact that we conceived a business model that was unproven, and without much in the way of financial backing, acted on that concept and created a growing business that is having a positive impact on educational outcomes across the state, and, more recently, around the country.

What is a goal that you hope to reach in the coming year?
We plan to continue our geographic expansion by selling 3D printers to school districts across the country—without compromising our service and support. We also plan to continue to develop and offer curriculum for a variety of subjects and levels using 3D printing that we will share with our customers and all teachers and students.

Where can our members go to learn more about your business?
Visit www.nwa3d.com.

Thanks to corporate sponsors like Sam's Furniture, we get the opportunity to recognize teachers in Washington County school districts that are going above and beyond to teach our future leaders. Check out October's winners for the "Above and Beyond Award."

Greenland - Lauren Boatright
"Ms. Boatright teaches English at Greenland high school She is a new teacher out of college, but she has become a building leader already. She inspires other teachers to do their best every day. She is a team player and her students are engaged every day in her classroom. She will be an excellence educator until she retires."

Prairie Grove - Susan Strahan
"Everyone loves, respects and knows that Susan Strahan will do whatever it takes to teach you some math, no matter what your skill level is. And we could also add, she does as much to support literacy as many English teachers. She has helped with book clubs, brings her students to the library, and reads constantly. Susan is a kind, generous and thoughtful teacher who I am very proud to work with."

Farmington - Dave Klotzbuecher
"He is an awesome classroom teacher and takes full responsibility for his students. Dave also helps around the building with various tasks! He comes early every day and goes out to the bus drop off side and greets every student and gives out lots of hugs. The students can't wait to see him and they always have a story they like to share. He goes above and beyond every day and doesn't even have to be asked!"

Lincoln - Valerie Smith
"There is not a day that Valerie does NOT go above and beyond. Just this morning, she came into school with a birthday cake for a student that told us on Friday that her birthday did not get celebrated at home. She never complains or gets moody and is such a rock for our students. she is a role model by all aspects and definitions, so nurturing and simply has the biggest heart of anyone I have ever met."

West Fork - Sarah Jones
"Ms. Jones, the previous NHS sponsor, has gone out of her way to help me as the new NHS sponsor. She has been quick with advice and answers to questions. I feel a lot more able to do my job effectively because of her assistance."

Each week we like to spotlight one of our member companies to share their story and the impact they are making on the Fayetteville business community. This week we met up with Rebecca Liles of Mount Sequoyah to learn about their conference and retreat center and lodging options.

1. Tell us a little about Mount Sequoyah.
   Mount Sequoyah is a conference and retreat center that has a wide variety of lodging options for individuals or groups, as well as meeting, event, recreational and wedding facilities, and a very busy dining hall. We run our own programming, such as our summer day camp series, and also help others facilitate their events and programs, from family reunions to corporate retreats.
   
   
2. What motivates the work you do?
   I think the answer to that is summarized in our vision statement: We support and contribute to YOUR vision of a better world. We really aim to strengthen our community through providing the space, services and environment that foster the realization of your mission, whether that is the celebration of a wedding, an educational conference, or anything in between. So, whether you're here for a camp, corporate or religious training, or just to experience a moment of peace, at Mount Sequoyah we welcome all who strive to improve our world.
   
   
3. What's an interesting fact about your business most people don't know?
   We are an independent non-profit! We were founded in 1922 by the Methodist church, but are in an exciting time of transition to being a stand-alone organization. So, while we are obviously a Fayetteville establishment, we are brand new at the same time. This is a perfect time for people in our community to come and see what we do up on the Mountain!
   
   
4. When you're not working, where in Fayetteville do you like to spend your time?
   When I'm not working, I love to spend time at the Fayetteville Public Library. And honestly, I end up spending a lot of time back up at Mount Sequoyah; my sons and I are all currently taking tennis lessons here, and my family is constantly at the pool when the weather is nice. It's just a really lovely place to be!
   
   
5. As someone doing business in Fayetteville, how does the Chamber help you?
   The Fayetteville Chamber helps us in so many ways, but networking is probably the biggest asset for us, especially as we are growing as an independent non-profit. Our CEO, Jess Schload is a graduate of the Leadership Fayetteville program, and I am currently in the Leadership program's Class XXXI (the best class ever). This has opened our eyes to so many of the civic workings of our community and ways in which we can engage with others that are constantly striving to make Fayetteville an even better place to live, work, and play. Many thanks to the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce from all of us at Mount Sequoyah!

On September 27th we announced the winners of the 5th Annual Excellence in Business Awards. Each week we'll spotlight one of those winners and the great work they are doing in the Fayetteville business community. You can see the full list of winners here. This week we'll hear from Eileen B. Jennings, SVP, Area Loan Manager for Arvest Bank and this year's Business Advocate of the Year.

1. Tell us a little about your role at Arvest Bank.
I work with businesses in all aspects of the banking needs. I work with a team to get business owners to doing what they love, running their business. I also lead a team of commercial bankers, assistants and an analyst. As a team, we take care of over 330 customers.

2. What do you love most about the work you do?
I love working with the people and businesses. No two businesses are the same and I enjoy getting to know about each one and how we can help.

3. What have you accomplished that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of years of community-based banking. I've been able to help a lot of local businesses and organizations grow and succeed, thus creating more jobs and doing more good in our community.

4. What's the best piece of business advice you've ever received?
I didn't know it was good advice at the time, but when I was in 8th grade, I interviewed my aunt for a career project. She had retired from the world of public accounting/internal audit/IT recently. She said, "Make sure you know how to read and understand a company's balance sheet." It seemed boring at the time, but it's the truth. If you don't know how to read a Balance Sheet and a Profit and Loss Statement, you really don't know what is going on.

5. What is your favorite thing about living and working in Northwest Arkansas?
I love working with so many great people in the area and that there is only about one to two degrees of separation between most people. However, I do love going home to my forty acres at the end of the road and not seeing anyone while I work in my garden or hike on my trails. Best of both worlds!

Each week we spotlight one of our member companies. This week we met up with John Wilson of Presidential Conversion to learn more about how he meets the needs of people with disabilities.

1. Tell us a little about your business.
Presidential Conversions is a mobility and accessibility dealership. We have three offices - one in Northwest Arkansas - Fayetteville, one in Northeast Arkansas - Jonesboro and one in North Little Rock. We cater to the disabled community, helping them with solutions from vehicle modifications and options to home modifications to rehab equipment such as power chairs and scooters as well as rentals. 

2. What do you love most about what you do?
We help people maintain mobility and freedome.

3. What do you love about doing business in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville is a beautiful city, which I have had the pleasure of living here for over 35 years. We have seen a lot of growth and a lot of community. Of course, we have plenty of support from different companies such as Walmart, J.B. Hunt and Tyson Foods. It's just a dynamic place to be in.

4. What is your business philosophy?
Our philosophy is to listen to the needs of the people, find out how we can address those needs to fit within their lifestyles and their budgets. Pay attention to detail!

5. Where can we learn more about your business?
Visit us online at www.accesspci.com or in person at 2887 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72703.

Learn more about Presidential Conversions in the video below:

On September 27th we announced the winners of the 5th Annual Excellence in Business Awards. Each week we'll spotlight one of those winners and the great work they are doing in the Fayetteville business community. You can see the full list of winners here. This week we'll hear from Melody Taylor, owner and founder of Beautiful Lives Boutique, the winner of the Minority & Women-Owned Business category.

Tell us a little about your business.
Beautiful Lives Boutique is a women’s thrift store benefiting women and children locally and globally. We have nine rooms filled with donated women’s clothing and accessories sold at thrift store prices organized in a beautiful boutique setting. Our profits are donated to three organizations that help women and children in need.
 
What do you love most about the work you do?
I love that I get to build an emerging community of women who are coming together for the common goal to help women in need. We  share in the immediate satisfaction of providing affordable or free clothing to women here in NWArkansas. Seeing the faces, hearing the stories and seeing evidence of women feeling cared for and valued in our store is very rewarding. We also get to give our profits to three nonprofits that benefit women and children. After one year spent launching this endeavor, I am now enjoying speaking at the U of A and other women’s groups to inspire others to do good in their communities.
 
What has your business accomplished that your most proud of?
I’m so grateful for the positive reputation that our store has in our community. We started this one year ago with nothing. Today, it is really working and doing a lot of good. We are a nonprofit relying on donated clothing which is good for our environment and keeps our costs low. Volunteers of all ages are working together to help women. Women who shop with us are ecstatic about the great thrift prices in a beautiful environment. We’re getting such high rankings at every turn because of the experiences women are having.
 
What is a goal that you hope to reach in the coming year?
Our goal is to partner with others in our community to benefit even more women. We have launched a Beautiful Bucks program so that women can purchase gift certificates so that we can have them ready to offer to women in crisis. It is a very dignified way to help women coming out of prison or the women who come to us from women’s shelters. I hope that more women in our community will shop, donate and volunteer with us so that we can provide more for the women in our community and give more profits to the causes we support.
 
Where can our members go to learn more about your business? 
We’re located at 1108 N. College Ave. (Next to Scoot Tribe - Across from Veterans Administration)
Phone: (479) 601-7277
Hours of operation: Monday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pm
http://www.beautifullivesboutique.com
https://www.instagram.com/beautifullivesboutique/
https://www.facebook.com/beautifullivesboutique/

Fayetteville, AR, October 17, 2017 - The Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and its Construction and Developers Committee held its annual Construction & Developers 2017 Appreciation Award Banquet on Monday, October 16 at the Fayetteville Town Center. 
 
Reception began at 6 p.m. and the banquet started at 6:45 p.m. NWA Council’s President & CEO, Mr. Nelson Peacock was the keynote speaker.
 
This is an annual affair where the Fayetteville Chamber honors awesome projects that were recently completed in Washington and Benton counties. The event’s goal is to showcase the owners’/clients’ commitment to the region and the amazing capabilities of our architectural firms, general contractors, main subcontractors and consultants. 
 
Ten awards were given out to recognize these excellent projects and the team that turned these projects into reality.
 
The ten awards went to:

1. Agricultural Heritage Award - Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences Project
2. Generational Award - The New School: Academic Center, Gymnasium & Innovation Center
3. Historic Preservation Award - Historic Cane Hill College
4. Phoenix Award - the RECORD
5. Infrastructure Award - Stadium Drive Realignment and Improvement Project
6. Transformation Award - NWACC-Brightwater
7. Vision Award - The Fields at Pinnacle – Building 1
8. Community Impact Award - Walton Arts Center Renovation and Expansion
9. Regional Wellness Award - Women and Infants Center & William L. Bradley Medical Plaza
10. Developer of the Year Award - Mrs. Johnelle Hunt of Hunt Ventures

Thank you to the sponsors for the event: 

Each week the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce spotlights one of our member businesses. This week we met up with Cedric Fonville, Owner and Founder of NICE. Find out how Cedric and his team can help your business succeed and watch the video below!
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1. Tell us about your business. 
   NICE was created to be a one stop shop and resource center for all of your nonprofit and business needs. We are your personal concierge for business growth, and will go find whatever it is that you need.
   
   
2. What motivates the work you do? 
   I love working with people on things that matter to them most, such as being successful in their business or careers, or just with becoming better people. It inspires me to hear other ambitious people's stories and dreams. 
   
   
3. What’s an interesting fact about your business most people don’t know? 
   We have a big social element behind our brand where the team is expected to give in terms of volunteering their time and/or financial contributions to support a local not-for-profit organization as a way of "giving back" to the community. There's no minimum requirement whatsoever for how much they give of themselves, they're just ask to give from the heart what they can afford to spare.
   
   
4. When you’re not working, where in Fayetteville do you like to spend your time?
   If I am not working I am usually on a couch watching football if it's a Sunday (or a Monday or Thursday night) or at the gym because I love sports and working makes me feel youthful.
   
   
5. As someone doing business in Fayetteville, how does the Chamber help you? 
   The Chamber helps me connect with other business owners and allows me to be able to market some of my own products and services through their marketing channels.

On September 27th we announced the winners of the 5th Annual Excellence in Business Awards. Each week we'll spotlight one of those winners and the great work they are doing in the Fayetteville business community. You can see the full list of winners here. This week we'll hear from Bill Medley of Pinnacle Foods, the winner for the Green & Sustainable Business Category.

Fayetteville, AR October 2017 -- Cox Business has announced the finalists of Get Started NW Arkansas (#GetStartedNWA) taking place on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at the Walton Arts Center. Spots are still available to attend the live event.  Registration is available at www.GetStartedNWA.com.
The final businesses selected to pitch at the live event are: 

• Bucket Technologies:  Bucket is a technology platform which integrates with existing POS systems to facilitate coinless cash transactions at retail locations.
• Community Solar Partners:  Community Solar Partners provides affordable access to solar net metering, targeting the 80% of the US populations that does not qualify for roof-top solar.  
• FanSpotz:  FanSpotz is a peer-to-peer parking app that connects college football fans looking for games day parking and property owners with space to spare.
• Swoop Jobs:  Swoop Jobs is a hire on demand web based mobile application for the service/hospitality industry.     
• Wise Pocket Products:  Wise Pocket Products is a company based on making life easier for active kids by providing a safe, stylish way to store not only their phones but other important items like epi pens or inhalers.    

 
A representative from each of these companies will pitch their idea in 2.5 minutes to a distinguished panel of experts.  One winner will be named to receive a prize package valued at nearly $12,000 which includes a $7500 cash prize, $2000 Cox Business technology package and $2000 in Cox Media marketing consultative/ad production services.  Local businesses not competing are encouraged to attend this free event for networking and learning opportunities from accomplished leaders in digital marketing, funding and business growth strategy.

Four area leaders in the NW Arkansas area will serve as the judging panel and provide feedback during the event. The judges at the live event are:

• Jeff Charlson, Chief Technology Officer Rockfish Digital
• John James, Rounder and CEO Hayseed Ventures
• Lauren Stokes, Owner/CEO Lauren James Enterprises
• Joe Murphy, VP of Platform Products Collective Bias

Moderating the event will be Ken Kraft, SVP of Cox Business Marketing & Sales Operations, Cox Communications.

Get Started NW Arkansas will begin at 6:00 p.m. with networking and will include food and drinks in advance of the pitch presentations which will begin at 7:00 pm.  This event is free to attend but registration is required at www.GetStartedNWA.com.    

About Cox Communications:
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet and telephone services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.
Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for seven years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.
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