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n behalf of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and its Board

of Directors, thank you for your interest in our organization. This year

marks the Chamber’s 120th anniversary. As a community we have progressed

throughout the years, but four fundamental principles remain the focus of

Chamber leadership: growing our local economy, governmental advocacy,

education and quality of life. The Chamber remains steadfast in creating economic

opportunities for our members through programming, recruiting high-wage jobs

to our city and county, protecting businesses and representing the interests of our

members at the local, state and federal levels of government.

In 2010, Conway and our region were ranked as having the 5th Smallest Change

in Unemployment and the 12th Best Unemployment Rate by the Brookings

Institution and the 7th Best Place for Jobs by Forbes. Conway was named to the

Top 10 Geekiest Cities according to OnLineUniversities.com. The knowledge-

based economy we foster in the area has been compared to the likes of Boston,

Austin, and San Diego.

The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce is diligent in working to promote our

city and region while serving as the voice of business. We believe the future of our

area is ever-changing and promising. As you look for areas to invest and establish

your business we invite you to join the ranks of 1,300 other businesses who find

value in our mission. Together we can continue building a better community and

stronger partnership.

Sincerely,

Ronnie Williams, Chairman of the Board

Conway Area Chamber of Commerce

Letter from Ronnie Williams CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

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onway, Arkansas – home to three colleges,

a thriving business community, scenic lakes and parks,

and a vibrant community with endless opportunities

for culture, recreation and shopping. A creative blend

of modern and quaint, Conway has the energy of a

big city while it maintains its small-town quality of life

that is simply second to none.

MISSION STATEMENTThe Conway Chamber of Commerce focuses on

enhancing the economic quality of life through

leadership and the development of innovative

and relevant services to create and maintain an

enriched business climate.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTThe most important component of a Chamber of

Commerce is economic development. In the past

three years, the Chamber has worked to secure economic development projects

that will add over 2,000 new jobs, $86,000,000 of payroll to the local economy

and 150 million dollars in new Capital investment. The most recent successes

are Hewlett Packard, Southwestern Energy and Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Regardless of the product or service you offer a thriving local economy is crucial

to continued growth.

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Vision

Vision

EDUCATIONEducation has been a cornerstone of the Conway

economy. Through such programs as Toad Suck Daze,

Academic Signing Day and the Education Breakfast and

Teachers Fair the Chamber has been able to contrib-

ute over $1,000,000 in scholarship money to Faulkner

county students. In addition, the Chamber supports

academic student achievement by spotlighting the best

and brightest graduates in Conway while connecting

education into the business community.

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRSBig projects don’t just happen. The Chamber has an active government affairs program

that seeks to find ways to leverage state and federal money for major infrastructure

projects. Through our lobbying efforts, the city will see nearly $70 million in new highway

projects along the Interstate 40 corridor as well as the relocation of the Conway Airport.

Member to Member Business OpportunitiesThe Chamber provides access to potential business that non members do not receive.

Events such as Business Expo and Taste of Conway, Business After Hours, CEO Lun-

cheons and Bowling for Business are some of the many networking resources provided to

members. Getting involved in a committee of the Chamber is an avenue that many of our

members have found as an added benefit of membership. Whether it’s the Small Business

Council, Conway Young Professionals or Tourism Task Force there is an area designed to help

your business.

“I began using CAP after several failed

attempts of moving from provider to

provider in search of lower premiums.

During this time we have saved at least

20% on healthcare and have been able

to offer individual plans to our employ-

ees. Something we’ve not found with

other providers.”

–TIM GLASSCOCK SUNBELT

he Conway Chamber Of Commerce

started in 1891 as the Conway Board of Trade

and in 1916 became the Conway Commer-

cial Club. Since the early years, the Chamber’s

primary focus has been to help with commercial,

retail and community development. Sixty years

ago in September 1946, 22 local business leaders

became the first dues-paying members of the

organization. Some of these early members are

no longer in Conway, but they left large footprints on our city’s heritage: Simon’s Grocery,

Southern Dry Cleaners, First State Bank & Trust, Clark & Adkisson Attorney’s, Homer

Jones, First National Bank, and Massey Hardware. Ten of the first Chamber members con-

tinue to serve our community fueling this economy, serving the public and in some cases,

fulfilling the legacy of their parents, and grandparents in the family business.

MISSION STATEMENTThe Conway Chamber of Commerce focuses on enhancing the economic quality of life

through leadership and the development of innovative and relevant services to create and

maintain an enriched business climate.

CONWAY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONThis Corporation is organized and shall exist, not for the purpose of profit or gain to itself

or to its stockholders, but to promote the industrial and economic growth and develop-

ment of the City of Conway, Arkansas, and of Faulkner County, Arkansas; to attract and

secure the location of new business and industrial plants in said city and County; to assist

in every way possible the future growth and expansion of industries which are now or

which may hereafter be located in said City or County; to buy, lease, or otherwise acquire

and own real estate and personal property; to sell, lease, mortgage, assign, pledge, hy-

pothecate, donate, or otherwise dispose of real estate and personal property; to borrow

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History

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money and to give security for the repayment of the same; and to do all things necessary or incident

to the general purposes as set out above.

Downtown PartnershipThe Conway Downtown Partnership is a non-profit economic development organization focused

on the promotion, planning and maintenance of an improved downtown Conway. The CDP supports

goals and planning that bring downtown Conway together as a gathering place to live, work, play,

shop and eat. The Partnership strives to serve as a full time advocate for these issues and is dedi-

cated to stimulating and fully leveraging public and private investment within downtown Conway. It is

our mission to improve the collective downtown community, serve as an active advocate of informa-

tion, resources and intellectual capital.

Conway Convention & Visitors BureauThe fundamental purpose of a convention and visitors bureau is the promotion of the economic

development of a city through increasing visits from tourists and business travelers, which generates

overnight lodging, visits to restaurants and local sales tax revenue. Faulkner County generates travel

expenditures in the millions of dollars and approximately 1,000 people are employed in travel gener-

ated jobs. As a CVB, we are directly responsible for marketing Conway to potential visitors and

selling it to meeting planners, groups, sporting events and more. And when visitors come to Conway,

the Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau is the location they visit for information on the area.

“Almost every community in Arkansas has a Chamber of

Commerce; what they don’t have is OUR Chamber of Com-

merce. In the past 5 years, our business has seen dramatic,

positive results. Fletcher Smith’s Jewelers is 92 years old this

year and although we may have survived this long without

our chamber, we certainly would not have been as successful.

With the support of the Conway Chamber we are confi-

dent we will see 100 plus years of business!”

– SHERRY SMITH, OWNER FLETCHER SMITH’S JEWELERS

e are at your Service. We promote your business

through publicity opportunities, membership directory, and

Chamber events. We introduce you to business contacts

through our various networking functions and we can

even answer your phone through referrals and serve as an

information bureau.

CAP The Chamber Alliance Program (CAP) is a package of

affordable insurance benefits designed for and offered

exclusively to members of participating Chambers of

Commerce in Arkansas. Members enjoy more competitive

premiums through the purchasing power of CAP’s Health

Insurance Purchasing Group. The package includes health

insurance by QualChoice; group life and disability by Unum

Provident; and dental coverage by Delta Dental.

LEADS GroupLEADS Groups are comprised of business men and women

from various industries in the Conway area and surrounding

community. Individuals have the ability to network, build

relationships and generate referrals beneficial to their profession.

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Benefits

EVENTSWe offer a variety of events that provide valuable

networking opportunities in various settings.

These event include: Taste of Conway & Business

Expo, Toad Suck Daze, Teacher’s Fair, Academic

Signing Day, Annual Meeting, Bowling for Business,

CEO Luncheons, and Small Business Lunch &

Learns.

TASTE OF CONWAY & BUSINESS EXPO

This is our most high profile event that provides

members the ability to network and generate

business referrals. During Taste of Conway,

restaurants showcase their business to the

community.

ANNUAL MEETING & CEO LUNCHEONS

Members have access to some of the state’s

largest companies and business leaders in the

community and surrounding area.

BOWLING FOR BUSINESS

This is a personal approach for business

networking in a fun and relaxed environment.

Benefits

RIBBON CUTTING AND GROUND BREAKINGSAs a Chamber member, you are provided

a complimentary ribbon cutting hosted

at your business or a ground breaking at

the site of your future location. Chamber

Ambassadors are invited to attend and

help welcome you to the Chamber. Your

ribbon cutting picture and business infor-

mation will be featured in the Chamber

Member Spotlight section of the Log

Cabin Democrat.

PROMOTIONSYour Chamber membership provides count-

less avenues to promote your business to

over 1,300 fellow members. Whether it’s

through an event or program sponsorship,

email blasts distributed to our entire mem-

bership, an area to display your promotional

materials in the Chamber lobby, or a chance

to advertise on our Conway relocation disc

there is a market for you.

MEMBER ORIENTATIONEach month new and renewing members

are invited to attend an orientation

explaining their benefits and further

opportunities to maximize their Chamber

membership.

COMMITTEESGetting involved with one of our many

committees or task forces is a smart way

to network and grow your business

AMBASSADORS serve as official hosts

for the Chamber by attending ribbon

cuttings, grand openings and helping at

various Chamber networking events

throughout the year.

CONWAY YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (CYP)

Serves as a catalyst for leadership and

networking opportunities dedicated to

engaging young business men and women

through the areas of professional develop-

ment and civic opportunity.

EDUCATION

Supports, attends and helps to facilitates

several programs, including Academic

Signing Day and the annual Teachers

Breakfast and Education Fair.

MISSION APPRECIATION TASK FORCE

Each year, a group of Chamber volun-

teers personally distribute membership

information to Chamber members while

thanking them for their investment. This

is a great tool for networking with other

members.

PAINT THE TOWN PURPLE TASK FORCE

Serves to promote the impact and impor-

tance of game day on local business. This

committee approves annual logo design,

judges decorating and coloring contests,

locates “BEARaphernalia” and produces an

economic impact study.

SMALL BUSINESS COUNCIL

Roundtable to identify needs and offer

solutions in the small business community.

TOAD SUCK DAZE

Conducts annual Toad Suck Daze Festival

raising scholarship monies for Faulkner

County students.

TOURISM TASK FORCE

Volunteers will contribute their

time and enthusiasm to extend a

personal welcome to visitors at

Conway Convention & Visitors Bureau

happenings. Areas of volunteering

may include greeters, hospitality tables,

registration booths and goodie bag

stuffing. As the CCVB secures events,

such as: fishing tournaments and

basketball tournaments, the Task Force

will be instrumental in making guests

feel welcome in Conway.

“The leads group is a tremendous selling tool

for Netherton Promotions. Our company has

generated 20% of sales this year alone. During a

recession, we show a 32% increase in sales from

2009 to 2010. For $25 a quarter, it’s been a great

return on the investment.”

– KIRK NETHERTON NETHERTON PROMOTIONS

he annual investment is determined

by the average number of employees. This

schedule has been carefully developed in an

effort to insure the most equitable investment.

It is a suggested minimum and does not reflect

community spirit and commitment to econom-

ic growth, but serves as a guide.

Category

Annual Investment

Individual $110

Non-Profit $150

1 to 5 $215

6 to 10 $260

11 to 20 $300

21 to 30 $340

31 to 45 $395

46 to 60 $440

61 to 75 $490

76 to 100 $545

101 to 150 $600

151 to 200 $650

201 to 300 $785

301 to 400 $920

401 to 500 $1,050

500+ $1,050 plus $1.00 per employee

over 500

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“To be successful, we must have

access to a highly educated

workforce and we must have an

environment that produces a good

quality of life for our associates.

The Conway Chamber has been

critical to the promotion of both

in our community. It’s all about

partnerships and the Chamber’s

partnership with the City, with local

schools and institutions of higher

learning, and with local businesses

all have had and continue to have a

very positive impact on our ability

to stand strong in Conway. ”

–JEFF STANDRIDGE VICE PRESIDENT GLOBAL OPERATIONS ACXIOM CORPORATION

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“Over the last 4 years, Hurley Chiropractic has benefited

from networking and committee involvement opportuni-

ties provided by the Chamber. We have received new

leads on business because we were able to network with

others and share our message about chiropractic health. It

is nice to have a chamber that gives back to the commu-

nity and is concerned about member satisfaction. Being

a member of the chamber has allowed us an avenue of

gaining credibility with our clients. I have served on the

Membership Committee, founded the LEADS Group

program and served as ambassador; all of which are great

opportunities to promote your business.” ”

– DR. AMANDA BLEDSOE HURLEY CHIROPRACTIC

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Join!

COMPANY & REPRESENTATIVE INFORMATION

Business Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________

Name of person submitting membership record: _____________________________________________________________

Prefix: ______Primary Contact Name: _____________________________________________________________________

(The primary contact will be listed on the Chamber website, in the business directory and serve as the primary contact for chamber com-

munications unless otherwise noted.)

Position/Title: _________________________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________________________State: ____________________ Zip:______________

Physical Address (If different than mailing address): __________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________________________State: ____________________ Zip:______________

Business Number: ______________________Preferred Contact Number: ______________________FAX: ______________

Preferred Email: __________________________________________Website: _____________________________________

Contact for Billing: ____________________________________________________________________________________

(The billing contact will receive all invoices generated through the Chamber (i.e.: member renewal invoice)

Billing Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________________________State: ____________________ Zip:______________

Preferred Contact Number: ______________________ Preferred Email: __________________________________________

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: ________________________________________

CHECK YOUR EMAIL PREFERENCE(S)

I wish to receive all Chamber emails (Member2Member and monthly Chamber eConnection newsletter)

I wish to receive only the monthly Chamber eConnection Newsletter

I do not wish to receive Chamber emails

How to acquire health insurance through the Chamber

How to participate in Chamber events

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How to gain sponsorship opportunities

ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIVE LISTING(S)

Representative Name: __________________________________ Title: _______________________________________

Phone: ________________________________Email: _____________________________________________________

CHECK YOUR EMAIL PREFERENCE(S)

I wish to receive all Chamber emails (Member2Member and monthly Chamber eConnection newsletter)

I wish to receive only the monthly Chamber eConnection Newsletter

I do not wish to receive Chamber emails

Representative Name: __________________________________ Title: _______________________________________

Phone: ________________________________Email: _____________________________________________________

CHECK YOUR EMAIL PREFERENCE(S)

I wish to receive all Chamber emails (Member2Member and monthly Chamber eConnection newsletter)

I wish to receive only the monthly Chamber eConnection Newsletter

I do not wish to receive Chamber emails

WHAT CHAMBER BENEFITS ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?

How to market/promote my business

How to generate referrals

How to network with businesses

How to get involved in the community

INVESTMENT LEVEL & BILLING:

Annual Investment: $_______________________

CHECK YOUR METHOD OF PAYMENT

Check: Make payable to Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and mail to 900 Oak Street * Conway, AR 72032

Credit Card: [ ] Visa [ ] Mastercard [ ] Amex [ ] Discover Card #: _______________________________________

Expiration Date: ________________ Name on card (please print): _________________________________________________

Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: ___________________________________________

If selecting to pay by credit card, check the following:

[ ] Yes, I wish to participate in automatic renewal of my membership fee. [ ] No, I do not wish to participate in automatic renewal.

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