Business Weekly
January 4 – 8, 2010
- Leadership Arkansas Class IV Holding Next Session in Russellville
- Small Business Council Schedules Meetings for 2010
- State Chamber/AIA Annual Report Planned
- Governor=A1=AFs Quality Award Program Slates Training for Potential Applicants
- =A1=B1How To Win An Election=A1=B1 Seminar Scheduled for January 26-27 in Little Rock
- 2010 Arkansas Procurement Opportunities Conference Slated
- Save the Date for Washington Fly-In and Congressional Dinner
- Connect 2 Business=A2=E7 Matches Job Seekers with Businesses
- Welcome to Our New Members
- Thanks to Our Pinnacle Members
- Calendar of Events
Leadership
Leadership Arkansas Class IV will hold its next session covering the River Valley Economy, Economic Development and Manufacturing on January 21-22 in Russellville.
Sponsors for the Russellville Session to date include Presenting Sponsors Chesapeake Energy and Arkansas Tech University and Partner Sponsor Koontz Electric Company Inc.
Additional Leadership Arkansas sessions planned for 2010 include:
Session IV – South Arkansas
Economy, Timber, Oil & Gas, March 18-19,
Session V – Northeast/Delta
Economy, Healthcare & Agriculture, May 20-21,
Session VI –
Leadership
Sponsorships for each of the sessions are available at the
$2,500 level (Presenting) and the $1,000 level (Partner). Contact
For additional information on the Leadership Arkansas
program, contact
Small Business Council Schedules Meetings for 2010
The State Chamber/AIA Small Business Council has scheduled the following meetings for 2010.
- Thursday, January 21, 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., State Chamber Conference Room, =A1=B0Legal Issues Affecting Small Businesses,=A1=B1 presented by Jim Gary, Attorney with Kutak Rock.
- Wednesday, March 17, 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., State Chamber Conference Room, =A1=B0Promoting Your Business Via Marketing, Advertising, Promotion and Social Media,=A1=B1 presented by Melissa Thoma, Principal of Thoma Thoma.
- Thursday, May 20, 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Rogers/Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, presentation by Congressman John Boozman or one of his staff members on =A1=B0Federal Issues Facing Small Businesses.=A1=B1
- Thursday, July 22, 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., State
Chamber Conference Room, =A1=B0Growing Small Businesses Through Exporting
Products and Services,=A1=B1 presented by Dan Hendrix of the
- Thursday, September 23, 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, =A1=B0Financing for Small Businesses,=A1=B1 presented by Al Hodge, Senior Vice President Lending for Arkansas Capital Corporation Group.
- Wednesday, November 17, 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., State Chamber Conference Room, topic TBD.
The Small Business Council is also considering a
Wine/Cheese Reception for sometime in June in downtown
Thanks to Arkansas Capital Corporation Group which will sponsor all of the 2010 meeting meals for the Small Business Council.
Small Business Council meetings are open to all members of
the State Chamber/AIA. For additional information, contact
State Chamber/AIA Annual Report Planned
The State Chamber/AIA plans to publish its 2009 Annual Report later this month. The publication will consist of recaps from various State Chamber/AIA programs and events that have occurred during 2009 including the Washington Fly-In and Congressional Dinner, the Annual Meeting, Leadership Arkansas, and the Arkansas Procurement Opportunities Conference and Annual Small Business Awards Luncheon. Also featured will be sections on Governmental Affairs, Marketing/Outreach Efforts, Committee Goals and Successes, Affiliate Efforts, a listing of New Members, the Pinnacle Member list and the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.
Ads for the Annual Report are being sold in the following locations, sizes and rates:
$500 for fourth-page inside ad (black and white, 3=A8=FD x 4=A8=FE inches, multiple)
$650 for fourth-page inside ad (full color, 3=A8=FD x 4=A8=FE inches, multiple)
$750 for half-page inside ad (black and white, 7=A8=F6 x 4=A8=FE inches, multiple)
$900 for half-page inside ad (full color, 7=A8=F6 x 4=A8=FE inches, multiple)
$1,000 for full-page inside ad (black and white, 7=A8=F6 x 10 inches, multiple)
$1,150 for full-page inside ad (full color, 7=A8=F6 x 10 inches, multiple)
$2,000 for page three full-page ad (full color, 7=A8=F6 x 10 inches, one each)
$2,500 for back inside cover (four color, 7=A8=F6 x 10 inches, one each)
$5,000 for back cover (four color, 7=A8=F6 x 10 inches, one each)
Ads need to be provided in either a PDF or TIF format or in a camera-ready, hard-copy format.
If you are interested in placing an ad in the Annual
Report, contact
Governor=A1=AFs Quality Award Program Slates Training for Potential Applicants
Have you ever had an interest in the Governor=A1=AFs Quality Award Program but were not sure of where to start? If so, don=A1=AFt miss out on a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria and practical ways you can use it to improve your overall business processes. You will: learn how to write an application for the Governor=A1=AFs Quality Award Program, gain a better understanding of what the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria is asking and what examiners look for in an application, assess your business more thoroughly in every category of the Criteria, benchmark for results and much more!
The Governor=A1=AFs Quality Award will be providing Applicant
Training on January 20 and March 18 next year. Major David Harrison,
Senior Instructor for the
To register, click here and then click on Applicant
Training Seminar for either January 20 or March 18. Complete the application
with the award level your organization is considering. Return the
application with a $150 registration fee to the Governor=A1=AFs Quality Award
office. Registration for the January 20 seminar is due January 13. Up
to five representatives from your organization may attend the seminar.
If you do apply for an award, the $150 will be applied to your application
fee. For questions or additional information, call Governor=A1=AFs Quality
Award Executive Director
=A1=B0How To Win An Election=A1=B1 Seminar Scheduled for
January 26-27 in
January 26-27 will be an additional opportunity for those contemplating running for office to get a hands-on view of what it takes to win their election at the =A1=B0How to Win an Election=A1=B1 Seminar. The seminar will be held in the Bob Lamb Conference Room at the State Chamber/AIA.
The purpose of the seminar is to help potential candidates execute a successful political campaign. The seminar is open to anyone interested in seeking ANY public office, regardless of whether they are a first-time candidate or a veteran office holder.
The seminar was developed by the American Farm Bureau Federation with input from political consultants and staff. Topics include: successfully announcing a candidacy, selecting a campaign theme and key issues, identifying and targeting voters, the overall campaign structure, volunteer recruitment and coordination, budget preparation, fundraising and working with the media.
The cost is $225 per participant (except for a spouse attending with a candidate, which is $195). The fee includes seminar materials, two lunches, a Tuesday evening reception and refreshment breaks both days. The cost does not include overnight lodging. The seminar is limited to candidates, their spouses and campaign managers. Only five spaces remain available, so register now if you=A1=AFre interested. The registration deadline is January 12.
To register, click here. For additional information, contact Stanley Hill at 501-228-1564 or stanley.hill@arfb.com.
2010
In an effort to foster business partnerships between
government entities, their prime contractors, major corporations and small,
minority, and disadvantaged businesses, the Arkansas State Chamber is hosting
the 2010 Arkansas Procurement Opportunities Conference. This event, held in
conjunction with our Annual Small Business Awards luncheon, will be held on
Tuesday, April 27 at the
The Arkansas Procurement Opportunities will offer a unique opportunity for small business owners to meet and network, as well as to discover new opportunities from both private and public sector buyers and exhibitors in a business-to-business marketplace.
The Arkansas Procurement Opportunities conference will offer sellers:
- Pre-conference trainings to prepare businesses for contracting opportunities.
- The opportunity to network with public and private sector procurement officials.
- A better understanding of the procurement process.
Social activities include:
- A welcome reception for sponsors and buyers on Monday, April 26
- The 20th Annual Small Business Awards luncheon on Tuesday, April 27
- Buyer hospitality
The events are hosted by the Arkansas State Chamber/AIA and the following partner agencies and organizations: U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE, Office of Congressman Vic Snyder, Office of Senator Blanche Lincoln, Office of Senator Mark Pryor, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Arkansas Procurement Assistance Center, Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center, Arkansas/Mississippi Supplier Development Council and the Arkansas Minority Business Development Roundtable.
Sponsors to date for the Arkansas Procurement
Opportunities Conference include: Gold Partner Allens Inc., Silver Partner Tyson Foods, Inc. and
For sponsorship information, contact
Additional information on the Arkansas Procurement Opportunities Conference can be found by clicking here.
Save the Date for
Whether you are experienced at contacting elected officials or would like to learn how to have your legislative and business concerns addressed by your elected representatives, this annual event affords the opportunity to meet with officials in the congressional office building with the delegates and members of their staffs. The Chamber staff, with input from many members, will draft a list of key business issues as well as background information for participants to review prior to the Fly-In. This information will help initiate the conversations with the Delegation.
This year=A1=AFs Congressional Dinner will be held the evening of Tuesday, May
11 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in
Sponsors to date for the Congressional Dinner include Dinner Sponsors Allen=A1=AFs Inc. and Delta Dental of Arkansas and Gold Sponsor Baldor Electric Co. Additional
sponsors are being sought. For sponsorship information, contact
For additional information on the Fly-In and Dinner, contact Deb Mathis at 501-210-4212 or dmathis@arkansasstatechamber.com.
Connect 2 Business=A2=E7 Matches Job Seekers with Businesses
In early November, Governor Mike Beebe announced
A critical component of this new initiative is Connect 2 Business=A2=E7, a tool that helps adults find employment and students find internships and apprenticeships with local businesses. In turn, Connect 2 Business provides businesses access to a pipeline of skilled workers, allows businesses to showcase themselves and their career opportunities, and helps students connect the relevance of their coursework to the real world of work.
Connect2Business is a three-fold internet-based tool that
is seamlessly integrated into
Connect2Business features include the following:
EMPLOYER
- Creates an online business profile to generate awareness about your company and/or organization.
- Posts extended learning opportunities such as internships, job shadows, and apprenticeships that will prepare local students for the world of work.
- Posts job openings and reach the best suited individuals for your positions
- Sends messages to individuals with the interest, skills and work values that fit your needs.
STUDENT
- Search ELOs through the student database.
- Explore
ADULT
- Explore business profiles.
- Contact employers directly to inquire and apply for jobs.
Benefits to
- Brand
and industry awareness – connect with a pipeline of highly trained,
skilled workers in
- Targeted outreach for extended learning and job opportunities – increase enrollment in your opportunities with the best suited students and adults.
- Direct communication with students and adults – get the word out about your ELO and job openings to students that have interests in your industry.
- Enhanced recruiting initiatives – improve your ROI with recruiting programs by matching opportunities to adults with the right interests, skills and work values.
How can you become a part of the Connect2Business
community? Getting involved in Connect2Business is easy and FREE to all
businesses in the state of
Visit www.arworks.arkansas.gov, click on Connect2Business and sign up today!
For additional information, please contact Susie Marks, Connect2Business Administrator at (501) 210-4206 or smarks@arkansasstatechamber.com.
Thanks to the following companies and organizations that have recently joined the State Chamber/AIA:
Alliance Productions
Brown Janitor Supply
Case Management, Inc.
CertaPro Painters of
Costner Excavating Inc.
First Community Bank
PACO Steel & Engineering Corp.
Prestolite Wire LLC
Tannenbaum Lodge
Web International
Thanks to Our Pinnacle Members
We would also like to express thanks to all of our Pinnacle investors, the respected companies that support the State Chamber/AIA at the highest annual investment levels. We appreciate all that they do for us.
APEX
Entergy Arkansas, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Chesapeake Energy, Inc.
Cox Communications
Southern Bancorp, Inc.
Tyson Foods, Inc.
XTO Energy, Inc.
PEAK
Arvest Bank
AT&T Arkansas
BP America, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy Southern Gas
Electric Cooperatives of
FedEx Freight - East
Georgia-Pacific Corporation
Kraft Foods
Nucor/Nucor-Yamato
Oaklawn Jockey Club
Southwestern Energy Company
State Farm Insurance
Verizon Wireless
Windstream Corporation
CROWN
Acxiom Corporation
AEP Southwestern Electric Power
Albemarle Corporation
Altria Client Services, Inc.
American Greetings Corporation
Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation
Bank of the Ozarks
CardinalHealth
CenterPoint Energy Gas Transmission Company
Cherokee Casino West Siloam Springs
Crossland Construction
Delta Dental of Arkansas Inc.
Delta Natural Kraft
Deltic Timber Corporation
Dynegy
Evergreen Packaging Company
Experian
Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company of Arkansas, Inc.
Fidelity National Information Services
Forest Oil Corporation
Glad Manufacturing/A Clorox Company
International Paper Company
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Lion Oil Company
McKee Foods Corporation
Mid-America Packaging, LLC
Nabholz Construction Corporation
Nice-Pak
OG+E
PACO Steel & Engineering Corp.
Petrohawk
Philander
RebeccaRice & Associates
Riceland Foods, Inc.
Russellville Steel Company Inc.
Signature Bank of
Stephens Inc.
The Clorox Company
The Trane Company
Transplace
US Bank
Waste Management
Weyerhaeuser Company
Wright Lindsey & Jennings
January 14 State Chamber/AIA Board Meeting
10:30 a.m.
State Chamber Conference Room
January 14 State Chamber/AIA New Member Luncheon
11:45 a.m.
State Chamber Conference Room
January 21 Small Business Council Meeting
11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
State Chamber Conference Room
January 21-22 Leadership
Russellville
January 26-27 =A1=B0How To Win An Election=A1=B1 Seminar
State Chamber Conference Room
March 17 Small Business Council Meeting
11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
State Chamber Conference Room
March 18-19 Leadership
April 27
April 27 20th Annual
May 11
Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel
May 20 Small Business Council Meeting
11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Rogers/Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce
May 20-21 Leadership
Northeast/Delta Economy Session
June 24-25 Leadership
Bentonville
June 25 Leadership
Graduation
Bentonville
July 22 Small Business Council Meeting
7:30 to 8:45 a.m.
State Chamber Conference Room
September 23 Small Business Council Meeting
11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Greater
November 17 Small Business Council Meeting
11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
State Chamber Conference Room
