NWA Business Conference & Expo

By Janie Pritchett-Clark

This year’s NWA Business Conference & Expo has morphed into something extraordinary. Combining two events into one – the Business Conference and the Business Expo – the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce has pooled contacts and connections to offer an event they call world-class, August 6.

This year’s event is a partnership with the Arkansas World Trade Center and the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal, and the Small Business Council at the Rogers-Lowell Chamber, and a number of familiar sponsors -- Sam’s Club, Your Community Phone Book, Cox Communications and Cherokee Casino.

Although still in the works at press time, conference plans call for seminars and presentations that cover three main areas: Small Business, General Business and International Business. The Expo will showcase more than 100 area businesses.The events and scheduling for the event were designed to accommodate busy business people of all industry and company size, with tickets ranging from $20 to $45. Admission to the Expo and After Hours, which is sponsored by Biz2Biz Northwest Arkansas are free.

Need inspiration in these trying times? Keynote speaker, Clyde Fessler, is not to be missed. Fessler is the former VP Business Development for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. His story is about marketing turning a company on the brink of bankruptcy into what has become one of the most recognized brands in the world.

Also held during lunch is the awarding of the Small Business of the Year, presented by the Small Business Council. This award goes to one of the 10 businesses previously honored as Small Business of the Month. Businesses that show exemplary stewardship in the community or workplace are recognized during the year. Considered for this year’s award are Chick-fil-A, The Job Guide, General Heating & Air, Back to Health Chiropractic, PROClean, Bradford Nursery, Rick McLeod-Farmers Insurance, ARtech PC, World Garden, and Cameron Smith & Associates.

While still under construction, information on tickets, all-access passes, booths, sponsorships and details will be available at www.NWABusiness.org. Or contact the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce at 479-636-1240.