Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
From the Chamber’s President/CEO
One to go. Month that is. And while it’s become cliché, nothing has been normal the first eleven, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed that Christmas is happening this December, just thirteen days away. November 17th, Chamber Directors and staff spent a full day in an off-site planning retreat, reviewing accomplishments this year, and looking ahead. Thanks to Austin Albers and the Buffalo Outdoor Center for making RiverWind Lodge the perfect work setting. Special thanks also to Entergy for enabling us to host Steven Shook, Director of UCA’s Leadership Development Center. Steven took the Chamber team and the Boone County Leadership Institute Class XXXII through an exercise that asked a series of questions around ‘what could be done better?’ It was a great collaborative learning experience with many valuable outcomes identified for the community. And the Chamber’s 2021 Program of Work – our agenda if you will – was also set by the Directors at the offsite. The tasks include defining the plan for adequate economic development funding, re-energizing our business, retention and expansion efforts, attaining accredited economic development certification for the Chamber, identifying a plan and property for a new Boone County Business and Technology Park, advocating for the new Center for Robotics and Manufacturing Innovation, and continuing to promote diversity and inclusiveness education in all aspects of leadership development. While aggressive, the POW has several carry-over goals we didn’t get to tackle this year, but all are achievable and will positively impact the Chamber’s mission of fostering broad economic development for the region. Jobs and investment. Welcome to Golden Ticket Cinemas, a new theater that will remodel the old AMC location in North Hills Shopping Center. Details are still emerging, but the new company plans extensive renovation and new amenities coming mid-2021…and some 15-20 full and part-time employees. In addition, we’re actively working projects including a new manufacturing facility and several retail opportunities and hope to make announcements on them before end of the year. While the community is disappointed that Planet Fitness has delayed opening their new club and creating some 15 new jobs, we can be thankful for the $2-plus million investment they’ve made to date. And mark your calendars now for the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Awards program – presented by Equity Bank – on Thursday, January 21st, at 6:00pm. More details soon about an exciting new format and a fun evening of recognition and looking forward to a new year. Let me close by simply asking you to shop local this holiday season! Our Small Biz Connection team has developed an exciting Empower Local campaign aimed at rewarding our shoppers and small businesses. Merry Christmas from your Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce…and all the best for a great 2021!In Harrison and the Boone County region…we are…Taking care of business! We are #BelieveBooneCounty! Cheers, Bob