kibitz: (chat) with Kerry Jensen, Executive Director for Main Street Rogers

This week we had the opportunity to chat with Kerry Jensen, Executive Director at Main Street Rogers.  Many thanks to Kerry for taking time to kibitz with us about all the amazing things going on in Downtown Rogers.

Kerry, we hear Downtown Rogers has some exciting things in store this season - what can you share?

Well, there are many exciting things, but one of the most exciting is something we as an organization are rolling out in January, our new slogan/campaign for 2012: 

Shop, Dine, & Explore

We have spent the past couple years working on how we wanted to identify our "downtown" in the community.  We aren't a "typical" downtown.  We are a historic district that offers amenities, shops, and attractions that are totally different than anything else in the nation.  This past year we have been making sure that we make small improvements to things such as making sure all our sidewalks are stroller-friendly, revamped some of the intersections, preserving some of the original infrastructure of brick and mortar in the roads, and historic preservation through economic rebuilding.

We now feel we are ready to share our district in a much more deliberate way with the rest of this region and state.

What have you seen in terms of businesses opening in downtown this year?

We have a great business mix, with well over 93% of all buildings being occupied with a variety of unchained merchants.  I often joke with members in the community, that if something were to happen and everything west of 8th Street (71B) was suddenly gone, we would still have a fully functional town in the downtown district.  With twenty-five restaurants, a pharmacy, a grocery store, gas stations, clothing, hardware, etc. the list goes on and on.  In 2010 alone, we had twenty-six new businesses open, and many more have opened already this year with eight more businesses on the drawing board to open before year's end.

We are a walkable area and we are very dense.  One of the other benefits that I really enjoy is the fact that we are not a square.  We are a lot bigger than a little downtown square.  We are truly a historic district, which allows us to add much more unique and diverse businesses, attractions, and residence options.

What are some of the fun-facts about Downtown Rogers that are worth spending some time exploring?

Well, there are several really great things that are worth spending days exploring.  Let me first say, the thing we want to encourage most is that everything we do in Downtown Rogers is aimed at being family-friendly and many things are pet-friendly also.  I would love to invite you to come and spend a day leisurely exploring with your family. 

Some of the things you may not have known is that we in fact have three museums here in Downtown Rogers:  Rogers Historic Museum, the Daisy BB Airgun Museum, and most secretive a Fireman's Museum (where kids can actually touch and take pictures with the fire truck - something that I do not know of any other museum to allow). 

We also have approximately 125 events each year for the entire family from Twilight Walks, to the Goblin Parade, to Picnics in the Park, Car Shows, International Festivals, etc.  We also have our annual Christmas Parade coming up December 5th that you will not want to miss!


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Many thanks to Kerry for taking time to chat with us this week.  We also want to congratulate him for receiving the honor of being selected to host "Destination Downtown" for 2012.  This is a big honor as it is only hosted in Arkansas once every three years and members from "Downtown's" all over Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, and beyond will travel to Northwest Arkansas for an annual summit.  Congrats, Kerry!  Keep up the wonderful work!

kibitz: (chat) with Kathy Deck, Director, Center for Business and Economic Research, Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas

This week we were honored to kibitz: chat with Kathy Deck, Director, Center for Business and Economic Research, Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas

Kathy, a nationally recognized Economist, was very gracious in sharing her insight on what we can expect to see in the coming months and years here in Northwest Arkansas.





What economic trends are you seeing here in NWA (as far as business development, job creation)? 


Job creation has been the story of the economic success of Northwest Arkansas since the 1990s.  However, since the onset of the most recent recession, Northwest Arkansas has struggled to regain its job creation momentum.  From January 1990 to the onset of the recession in November 2007, employment growth averaged just over 500 jobs per month.  Since November 2007, however, the region has lost 8,900 jobs and except for a brief period at the beginning of 2011, there have been continuing modest year-over-year employment losses.


How does Northwest Arkansas compare nationally in terms of growth? 


Northwest Arkansas continues to outshine the rest of the United States in terms of unemployment rate, having a rate that has consistently been around 2 full percentage points lower than the nation. Employment losses were larger on a percentage basis for the nation, but Northwest Arkansas is being a bit slower to see employment gains on a year-over-year basis than the United States as a whole. 


What is your prediction for the coming 1-2 years in terms of economic development in NWA? 


Northwest Arkansas will struggle with weak national macroeconomic conditions over the next year or two, but should begin to see modest job gains on a year-over-year basis.  The implementation of the Northwest Arkansas Council’s economic development strategic plan will provide some positive impetus to the economy.  Also, modestly improving national conditions will help with consumer confidence, which is vital to Northwest Arkansas’ economic health.



Many thanks to Kathy for taking time to chat with us this week.  We wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!  Stay tuned for next week's kibitz!

kibitz: (chat) with Chung Tan, Manager of Economic Development for the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce

This week we had the wonderful opportunity to "chat" with Chung Tan, Manager of Economic Development for the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.





Chung has been a tremendous resource for us, and we are SO impressed by all she does to make Fayetteville a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

We are happy to share her expertise on Fayetteville with you.


What growth have you seen in Fayetteville in 2011?

Growth in number of cars registered, growth in number of jobs, growth in number of new students enrolled in U of A, growth of multi-family residential projects.

What growth do you expect to experience for 2012 and beyond?

The economic recession is supposedly over but there continues to be a hangover.  Once consumer confidence comes back, growth will follow.  As for Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas will continue with its trend of having an increase in student enrollment.  Cosmopolitan Hotel is about to be sold to new owners who planned to tear down the building to the foundation and build back up.  Once this is done, we will have an additional of about 200 rooms and space for meetings and conventions.  This will drive the conventions and hotel business in Fayetteville. 

The AMP is getting ready to spend over $3 million for renovation and expansion.  When this is completed, we are expected to draw new programs and concerts to Fayetteville where in the past was not possible because of inadequate space.  Walton Arts Center is still in the development stage for a 600 seat theater.  This new building will be an asset to attract more shows to Fayetteville and the overflow effect is an increase in food and entertainment revenues.  The City of Fayetteville is in planning now for a multi-story parking garage around the entertainment/downtown area.  Once this is up and running, it will be another asset that will resolve our current problem of lack of parking.  Subsequently, it will make the district more attractive to new businesses and patrons.


With many improvements being made to parks, trails, and recreation - what added value does this give Fayetteville businesses and residents?

This is a great value to the quality of life in Fayetteville.  The parks, trails, and recreational facilities are assets for us when we attract new workers to Fayetteville.  The US population especially the Gen Ys, in general, is moving towards sustainability, better health, balance of work-play, and going back to nature.  Fayetteville and NWA can offer all these to new and existing residents.  These assets are used by local employers when they try to hire workers especially professionals from outside to be willing to work in Fayetteville.


What role does the University of Arkansas play on long-term business growth in Fayetteville?

The U of A is one of the most important economic engines for Fayetteville.  Increasing students means more needs for housing, automobiles, gas, food, and other essentials.  The sporting events, graduations, move-in days, etc. bring visitors from out of towns.  Again, more hotel nights, entertainment, gas, and food.   Because of Chancellor Gearhart’s foresight, he challenges, drives, and provides the necessary infrastructure so that professors work with students and other partners to move innovative products and services to market.  The research technology park is the incubator for turning ideas to commercially viable products and services.  The result in new start-up companies.  U of A is the pipe-line for new companies. 


Would you attribute the growth in Fayetteville this past year to an increase in small business openings or an increase in large industry and their vendor supporters?

Growth in Fayetteville is fueled by both home grown and out of town businesses.  In general, more than 85% business openings have less than 10 employees. 


What challenges or obstacles do you think Fayetteville will face in the coming years to maintain its growth rate, and continue to be a business destination for the region?

The lack of space will be our challenge.  Fayetteville is pretty much built out.  We are looking into infill now and later redevelopment will become more important.

Many thanks to Chung and the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce for all they do for Northwest Arkansas!  Stay tuned to next week's kibitz.

kibitz: (chat) with Jill Wager, Corporate Relations Manager of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

This week we had an opportunity to visit with Jill Wager, Corporate Relations Manager of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.  Like many in Northwest Arkansas, we are thrilled about its' opening this week, and were very grateful for the opportunity to "kibitz" with them this week:


With the opening of the long-awaited Crystal Bridges right around the corner, what can Northwest Arkansas expect opening week?

We are delighted to open the doors of Crystal Bridges this week to share the remarkable art, architecture, and nature.  Those who have joined as Original Members have the opportunity for a sneak peek on November 9th, two days before our public opening.   On November 11, we will celebrate our opening with a ceremony on the downtown Bentonville Square at 11:00 am and welcome all to join us.  We are asking the community to reserve timed tickets through the end of the year and, as always, there is no entry cost as admission is sponsored by Walmart.  Many guests are thinking ahead to the holidays and reserving tickets for their visiting families.


How many jobs were created with the opening of Crystal Bridges?

Crystal Bridges expects to employ 130 persons plus security staff.  Any person interested in employment may view job postings on our website.

With the announcements of the 21c Hotel and expansion of the Walton Arts Center to Bentonville, do you feel that this will soon become an arts hub for our state and region?

The opening of Crystal Bridges and the expansion of Walton Arts Center augments the cultural resources in our region and state.   Northwest Arkansas will be part of a large regional arts community including Tulsa, Kansas City, and Little Rock.  21c Museum Hotel will be an integral part of the art experience and is certain to offer outstanding guest experiences.  While plans are still underway, the Children's Museum of Northwest Arkansas will also add interest for our youngest residents and guests.

Crystal Bridges features a Community Showcase which is a unique exhibition space showcasing important colleague institutions and their permanent collections.  This transitional space shares the story of Northwest Arkansas and its history with regional residents and out-of-region guests.  When the Museum opens it will be displaying objects from:  University of Arkansas Museum, Museum of Native American History, Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, Pea Ridge National Military Park, Rogers Historical Museum, and Walmart Visitor Center.


What collections can we look forward to this year?

Crystal Bridges has acquired a stunning collection of American art spanning five centuries that is premiering as the inaugural exhibition, Celebrating the American Spirit.  Approximately 450 works are arranged chronologically and thematically so that guests can, in a sense, walk through the history of the United States as they peruse our galleries.  The experience begins in the Colonial period with portraits of our founding fathers and ends with current modern and contemporary works.  Celebrating the American Spirit is sponsored by three American iconic companies - General Electric, Coca-Cola, and Goldman Sachs.

Guests will also want to visit Wonder World, an exhibition of contemporary works from our permanent collection.  Wonder World brings together twenty-five contemporary works by established, mid-career, and emerging artists from Crystal Bridges' collection in a special exhibition organized around the themes of perception, representation, illusion, nature, and history.



Many many thanks to Jill for taking time to chat with us this week.  We know this is an extremely busy time for them, and we are excited for what is to come!

Their website - http://www.crystalbridges.org/

kibitz: (chat)

We are excited to launch our first "blog series":  kibitz: (chat) 1.0




The word kibitz in the Jewish community means to chat.  In recent "chats" that we have had with various leaders in Northwest Arkansas, the idea grew that we needed to share their expertise with all of you.  We needed to offer a platform where anyone in the world could search, learn, and understand the beautiful dynamics of the Northwest Arkansas region.

Where many areas nationally are struggling in the midst of economic crisis, Northwest Arkansas has still continued to show growth and flourish. 

For the next twelve weeks, we will be sharing our "chats" and give you a firsthand look at the economic development and continued business growth here in Northwest Arkansas.  Over the coming weeks, expect to learn insight from area leaders and developers on what makes Northwest Arkansas a great place to live, work, and play. 

We have assembled a great list of leaders, including: 

- Alice Murphy, Public Relations Director with Crystal Bridges
- Kerry Jensen, Executive Director of Main Street Rogers
- Mike Harvey, COO of the Northwest Arkansas Council
- Chung Tan, Economic Development Manager of Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce
- Kathy Deck, Director at Center for Business and Economic Research
- and many more!!

We look forward to kibitzing with all of you in the coming weeks!  Stay tuned!