Planes, Trains, & Automobiles... Bella Vista Bypass - Interstate 49 Project Connecting New Orleans to Winnipeg

Last summer, the groundbreaking of the long-awaited Bella Vista Bypass kicked off.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood joined Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe, U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor, Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department Director Dan Flowers and other state highway officials broke ground on the first project of the Bella Vista Bypass that will link freight routes and open the region to economic growth.

The Bella Vista Bypass is a multi-state project (including Arkansas and Missouri) that will become part of future Interstate 49. Total cost of the bypass is expected to be $350 million, with Arkansas’ portion at $280 million. A federal grant of $10 million got the project kick-started. The first phase is a $20 million project for a three-mile segment between Highway 72, north of Hiwasse, and Highway 72, south of Hiwasse.

The TIGER grant program promotes innovative, multimodal and multijurisdictional transportation projects that provide significant economic and environmental benefits to an entire metropolitan area, region or the nation.


The Bella Vista Bypass project will construct a three-mile two-lane segment between two interchanges as well as an access road near the city of Bella Vista, Ark. When the 19-mile bypass is fully constructed, it will complete a link in the Interstate 49 corridor, connecting the Port of New Orleans with a number of interstates and improving the movement of goods to the Great Lakes and Canada. The new bypass also will separate commercial traffic from local traffic, improving the safety of the existing route through downtown.

“The economic benefits of the bypass will positively impact the entire region and allow those who live in the area to spend less time in their cars and more time doing things they enjoy,” says Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez. “In addition, it will be safer for local traffic because critical freight shipments will move through the area on a separate route.”

In May, State highway officials had a bid in hand to build a second section of the Bella Vista Bypass.

Kolb Grading LLC of St. Charles, Mo., was the apparent low bidder for the 2.4 mile, phase two of the project at $13.5 million. The section is 2.4 miles and will connect with County Road 34.  The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department opened bids Wednesday in Little Rock.  The 18.9 mile project is designed to relieve traffic congestion on U.S. 71 through Bella Vista. It will reconnect with the highway in Missouri.

Construction on the first, three-mile section around Hiwasse began last summer. The bid for that section was $19.8 million.

Return to our website - www.arkrealestate.com

Planes, Trains, & Automobiles... [a new series about the infrastructure and transportation of Northwest Arkansas]

Here at the Fineberg office, we have been thinking through some of the key areas that make Northwest Arkansas a great place to work, live, and play.

One thing that is often overlooked, but plays a major role in the effectiveness and efficiency of our community is our infrastructure...

Our roads, our transportation, our importing and exporting of product from some of the nation's head corporate offices such as Walmart, Tyson, and JB Hunt, our railway systems, and the increased use of our airport for both local residents and corporations that travel here weekly for business.

When thinking through all of these areas, it made sense for us to highlight our community's transportation and logistics. 

Please join us over the next few weeks, as we take a deeper look into the current transportation in our community, and some upcoming project improvements that should make Northwest Arkansas an even better place to work, live, and play.

New faces... get to [know]: Grant West & Frances Travis

It would only make sense that the week after we close out our blog series about getting to know our staff that we hire two fresh faces to our team, :)

We did not want them to go unrecognized, so we want to welcome and introduce Grant West, our new Office Manager, and Frances Travis our new Administrative Assistant!




We took a few minutes to this week to get to know these two for what life looks like outside of work!

Get to know... Grant West, Office Manager


Q:  Where did you grow up?

A:  I grew up in Fayetteville, AR


Q:  What does life look like outside of work?

A:  I live with my girlfriend, Suzanne, and her 3 yr. old daughter, Ruby.  We love to cook and eat interesting food together.  Suzanne is a pastry chef.  I enjoy teaching Ruby all the little wonders of the world, and I love her learning spirit.  I love to read, especially non-fiction, though I am currently engrossed in an endless fantasy novel.  I am a diehard basketball fanatic.  I play when I can and watch far too much NBA.  Recently, I also coached youth basketball in Fayetteville.  I love to laugh and joke and I always appreciate dry sarcasm and wit.  I love a good conversation over beer. 

Q:  What are you most proud of?

A:  I am most proud of things that I make or build.  Cooking a delicious meal that others enjoy always makes me feel good.  I’m proud of the garden Suzanne and I made.  I’m mostly just proud I get to enjoy my life with the close family and friends that I have. 

Q:  Where do you like to vacation?

A:  I like to visit the great cities of the world.  I have travelled in recent years to New York, Chicago, Hong Kong, Rome, Brussels, and Berlin.  Breaking from the norm, however, Iceland is currently the object of my future-vacation eyes. 

Q:  What are some random/silly facts about yourself?

A: 

- I often wear athletic shorts under my pants so that I can be ready to play basketball at a moment’s notice. 

- I am a dancing machine.

-  I suppose I could probably burp the “Star Spangled Banner” if I felt so inclined.

Q:  What is your life’s motto?

A:  "Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand."  –Mark Twain

Get to know... Frances Travis, Administrative Assistant

Q:  Where did you grow up?

A:  Cleburne County, Arkansas, I was raised in a small town north of Heber Springs, Arkansas.  After high school I married a gentleman who lived in Heber Springs area and resided there for 12 years.


Q:  What does life look like outside of work?

A:  We are very active in our church.  We attend and work a lot of horse events.  We love the outdoors, fishing, riding horses, riding 4-wheelers, and yard work!

Q:  What are you most proud of?

A:  My relationship with God, my daughter, my husband, my family, and friends!

Q:  Where do you like to vacation?

A:  I love Gulf Shores, Alabama.  I love the ocean breeze and relaxation of the ocean itself.  I love how you can get lost in the sand and stars!

Q:  What are some silly or random facts about yourself?

A:  I love crafts.  I like to make it instead of buying it.  I can see a diamond in the rough, make a few changes to something old and create a new purpose for it.

Q:  What is your life's motto?

A:  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens Me" - Philippians 4:13

Always keep a smile on your face; you never know whose day you will change with it!

get to [know]: Our Team

This moment will be the best part of my day, because I get to talk about my colleagues and team members. 

I cannot overstate how much I enjoy working with and appreciate our team members.  I spend a great deal of my day working to create situations and scenarios where all parties win, where the parties at the end of a negotiation believe that their  position will be improved by doing the deal.


I do NOT want to consider how difficult this effort would  be absent our team.

Team means to me "a group of people voluntarily working independently in a coordinated effort for their individual success, and for the success of the whole."

When I think of music or a sports team,  I see a at team work. Every player striving to do their best, and so it is in a business setting.
This is my view of the team at Steve Fineberg and Associates.  Everyone doing his or her personal best, and in coordination with the whole.  I appreciate and love our team, and respect their ideas and energy that they exude.  They so often go beyond, it is my honor to work with them.

get to [know]:: Elissa Sontag

This week we took a few minutes to get to know our Property Manager, Elissa Sontag.  We are grateful for all she does on our team, and enjoyed hearing about her life outside of work.

Q:  How long have you worked for Steve Fineberg & Associates?

A:  I've known Steve and Ida for ten plus years, but I have only been here about six.  I started at the front desk.





Q:  What interests you in property management?

A:  Problem solving... Anything and everything can happen when you are dealing with rental property.


Q:  Where are you from?

A:  I was born in Little Rock, and have been in Northwest Arkansas for the past twenty-two years.  I live on a twenty-five acre mini-farm in Bentonville now.


Q:  What do you like to do outside of work?

A:  I enjoy spending time at home.  There is always something to be done!  We have an animal rescue and haven that I enjoy.  We have places 30(+) dogs in safe and loving homes in the past few years, and also recently got 10 chickens.  Hopefully, we will start having eggs in the next few months also.


Q:  What scares you?

A:  Spiders and taxes


Q:  What are some random or silly facts about yourself?

A:  I love to mow the yard, something about it relaxes me.  I have been known to run head first into tree branches though, OUCH!!  :)


Q:  What is your life motto?

A:  The greatest danger isn't that our aim is too high and we miss it.  It is that our aim is too low and we reach it.

get to [know]:: Ron Palmer

This week we took a few minutes to get to know Ron Palmer.  Ron is a Commercial Realtor for Steve Fineberg and Associates, and long-time friend of Steve and Ida.  We appreciate all he does on our team!


Q:  Where are you from?

A:  I grew up in Chicago, Illinois and received both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois.  I also have my Ph.D. in Psychology and spent time teaching at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Illinois.

Q:  What brought you to Northwest Arkansas?

A:  I had a business opportunity to come to this area where I bought some commercial land and commercial lots to develop.  I also purchased and developed the AQ Chicken Houses at that time.

Q:  How long have you worked with Steve Fineberg & Associates? 

A:  I have worked for the company for about 3.5 years, but I have known Steve since he first came to this area in the late 1990s and we have been friends ever since.  I am lucky to be part of his team.  Steve is an independent hard-working entrepreneur who has carved out a unique niche in commercial real estate in Northwest Arkansas.

Q:  What do you like to do when you aren’t working?

A:  I am a motor home traveler and motorcycle enthusiast.  I also love going to the gym and I have been a racquet ball player for quite some time.

Q:  Where do you like to vacation?

A:  I always head west instead of east.  My favorite states are Colorado and Montana.  I also enjoy Idaho and Southern California.  My wife Shona and I are lucky enough to have a daughter who lives in San Diego, California, so we get the opportunity to go visit her there often.  I have three other daughters scattered in Springfield, Missouri and Kansas City, Missouri and one here in Fayetteville.  We enjoy travelling and spending time with each of our children.

Q:  What are some fun or random facts about yourself?

A:  The first is that I have owned and rode a motorcycle for forty five years and have lived to tell about it.  J  I also have always had a unique interest in architecture and have been fortunate enough to build several custom homes.

get to [know]:: Ida Fineberg

This week we sat down with Ida Fineberg, Vice President and Executive Broker for Steve Fineberg & Associates.. And of course, wife of Steve.  :)  We wanted to take a moment to get to know Ida outside of her responsibilities at work.


Q:  Where did you grow up?

A:  I was born in Havana, Cuba and lived in Cuba until I was nine years old.  My family left Cuba and we went to Dallas, Texas.  We were there for a year before moving to Los Angeles, California.  After several years my family moved back to Dallas.  So you might say that I grew up all over.

Q:  What brought you to Northwest Arkansas?

A:  In 1998 I married Steve and moved here.  I have loved living here the entire time I have been here.

Q:  How long have you worked in real estate?  What made you get into real estate?

A:  My real estate career began in 1998.  My previous profession had been teaching, so real estate was quite a change.  When I moved to Arkansas I knew that I needed a job that would give me more flexibility of schedule and real estate was a natural fit.  I also had some prodding from this guy that caused my move to Arkansas.

Q:  What do you like to do when you aren't working?

A:  Really I love to cook and that has become sort of my therapy.  I also love to read and explore this great place where I am so fortunate to live.  Also, as time permits I love to travel and with Steve I have a terrific traveling partner because we look at our travels as our own personal adventures.  When we go to a new place we do not go on tours we just explore and learn on our own.

Q:  Tell us a little about how you volunteer in the community...

A:  Volunteering is something that I feel I really need to do as much  for me as for those organizations in which I am involved.  Presently I am honored to be on the Foundation Board for Open Avenues.  Open Avenues is an organization that helps mentally and physically challenged adults become contributing members of our community through employment opportunities and recreational activities.  They are truly a miraculous organization.  Also, I have recently been asked to join the board for Havenwood which provides reasonably priced housing and educational opportunities to single parents who want to improve their lives.  I am very much looking forward to being part of this group.  Also, I was fortunate enough to have gotten in on the beginnings of the Rogers Community Support Center.  This group’s goal was to involve members of the Rogers community become involved  in the community via educational opportunities, learning about the city government and its leaders and some terrific recreational functions.  This group began the International Festival which grew from about 100 people coming to the festival to now several thousand.  For this opportunity I have to thank Steve Womack, then mayor of Rogers, now a member of Congress for his vision with this group.

Q:  What is your favorite restaurant?

A:  Being in real estate and knowing quite a few people here I am not going to name a favorite local restaurant.  But I really like what goes on in my own kitchen.

Q:  What are you most proud of outside of work?

A:  Have you seen our three grandchildren?  Perfection if you ask me!  Also, I am very proud of our children because they are all good and hardworking people.  I must say that I have tremendous respect for my parents who came to the United States with nothing but always provided a very good life for my brother and me.  Finally, I am always proud of Steve and how he has built our company Steve Fineberg & Associates, Inc.  Also a good marriage is always something for which to be grateful and proud.

Q:  What are some silly or random facts about yourself?

A:  You mean like when I turn up the salsa music really loudly and dance around the house by myself?  Or how about the fact that even though I am a really good swimmer I can’t stand to go underwater.  Go figure.  Also, under no circumstances will I eat calamari.  Steve does not understand that one at all.  I like to do laundry, there is a certain feeling of accomplishment seeing all the clothes all neatly folded and smelling fresh – weird, I know.


Q:  What is your life motto?

A:  I don’t think I have a motto because life changes so much.  But I did say to a group to which I spoke that EVERYBODY, no matter the circumstances in your life, has something for which they should always be grateful.  So think about whatever that is when things get tough and it will make the tough time go by faster.

get to [know]:: Amy Mills

This week we wanted to take a moment to get to know Amy Mills, Executive Broker for Steve Fineberg & Associates.

Q:  Amy, where are you from?

A:   I was born in Chicago and lived in the suburbs of Chicago before moving to Breckenridge, Colorado in 2000.  After spending 5 years in Breckenridge I moved to Bentonville.

Q:  How long have you worked for Steve Fineberg & Associates?

A:  I came on board in January of 2006, so just over six years!

Q:  What interested you in becoming a real estate broker?

A:  I saw how easy it was and knew I could do it better than the other guys Steve had working for him :) I do enjoy working as a commercial real estate broker and looking back it was a great decision for me.  I enjoy working with my clients and helping them reach their goals.  I love walking into a business that I helped find a site for.

Q:  What do you like to do outside of work?

A:  I love to travel!  When I lived in Colorado my husband and I spent a lot of time at Zion National Park in Utah.  I also have been to Prague, which I would love to go back to.  I also love Italy.  I was lucky enough to spend some time there before I got married and again can't wait to go back.   There are so many amazing places in this world and one of the reasons I work so hard is so I can afford to spend more time in these amazing places.


Q:  What is your favorite restaurant?

A:  In NWA if I don’t have my son with me I like Table Mesa. If it’s a family night we enjoy going to Mellow Mushroom.  I still miss the happy hour appetizers and martinis at Blue River Bistro in Breckenridge.  In Chicago there are too many favorites to list but would love a Frankly Yours Gyro or a Lou Malnatis deep dish pizza right now! 


Q:  What are you most proud of outside of work?

A:  My son Jake, he’s amazing.  He is smart, loving and adventurous.  Being around him makes me want to be a better person and I am amazed that he is my kid.  He recently wanted to learn about gardening, while I am not much of a gardener I did enjoy teaching Jake about it and loved how proud he was.  Now we have an abundance of tomato and cucumber plants to share with others. 

Q:  What is a random fact about yourself?

A:  My husband and I moved to Colorado to work for one season at a ski resort and ended up staying for five years because we loved the area so much.  In the winter I drove a snowmobile up to the restaurant I managed and in the summer I got to drive my jeep up the mountain to work.  Colorado is such a beautiful state, and there is always so much to do there. 

Q:  What is your life motto?

A:  I often think of this quote from Mark Twain: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”



Thank you, Amy, for sharing about yourself!  You are an amazing part of our team!

get to [know]:: Steve Fineberg

We have decided to pause the next few weeks and highlight the faces of our team.  Each of our staff members brings a unique and wonderful vision to our company.  You may know them professionally already, but we would also like to take a moment for them to share about themselves.  We are very fortunate to have such a great team of individuals.

Gratefully,

Steve

___________________________________

This week we are getting to know the man behind the name:  Steve Fineberg

We all know that Steve Fineberg is President and Broker of Steve Fineberg & Associates.  Many of us have heard, "The Commercial Guy" jingle on the radio, or have had the opportunity to work alongside of him in real estate, or have served with him on one of the local boards in the community, AND all of us have probably seen a real estate sign on one of the busy streets in Northwest Arkansas with his name listed on top... BUT what does Steve Fineberg do outside of work, what are his interests, where did he get his start?  We did a brief Q & A session this past week.

Q:  Where did you grow up?

A:  Fort Smith, Arkansas



Q:  What brought you to Northwest Arkansas?

A:  Several personal issues coupled with the fact that I had a sense that this area was ripe for growth, and living and working in a growth area is big time fun



Q: How long have you worked in real estate?  

A:  Too long, approximately 30 years



Q:  What has been one of your favorite or biggest transactions to work on?

A:  I  don’t think of one as my favorite, they are all good.  It is usually the people involved in a transaction that make them fun. 

Q:  What do you like to do when you aren't at work? 

A:  Take guitar lessons, work out, read, and spend time with Ida, my wife.


Q:  What are you most proud of outside of work? 

A:  I think how two young men named Adam in which I had some input when they were growing and leading their lives.



Q:  Where do you like to go on vacation? 

A:  Where it is warm.



Q:  What is one random weird/fun fact about yourself? 

A:  Ask my wife....

Q:  Ida, what are some random or weird facts about Steve???

A:  -  Steve really wants to be a restauranteur and even almost opened a fried chicken joint several years back

-  He also went to Beverly Hills  (I think that's where) to learn how to make muffins. 

- Lets not forget his total obsession with Frank Sinatra

Last question.......

Q:  What is your life motto?

A:  Work on staying positive. It will get you through a life full of challenges.

final kibitz: (chat) with Steve Fineberg, President of Steve Fineberg & Associates

I want to thank each of the leader participants in our recent blog series in which they took the time and effort to give us a brief discussion of their view of the area which is their specific focus.  For those who did not have the opportunity to visit these brief discussions, you will find them posted on our web page. I believe that you will find them interesting and informative. This brings me to my recent thoughts below.

Northwest Arkansas is just an amazing place to live, work and play, and so much of our individual success, in whatever the field we may participate, is interdependent and intertwined with those energies, ambitions and skills of those around us.

Northwest Arkansas is blessed with an aggregate combination of leadership and community participation which contribute to quite an economic engine, a bourgeoning interest and attention to the arts, exemplified with the recent opening of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Hand in hand  with the arts is an increasing interest in the culinary arts demonstrated by the announced partnership between Downtown Bentonville Inc. and the James Beard Foundation, based in New York.

To further elaborate on Northwest Arkansas’ good fortune, I point to our corporate population where approximately 125 of the Fortune 500 companies and corporations have offices in Northwest Arkansas.  How about our active small business leadership that is visible in each of the five area chambers of commerce, our academic competiveness in our public schools and higher education institutions, i.e. the University of Arkansas, John Brown University and the Northwest Community Junior College.

I can continue.  Northwest Arkansas is blessed beyond expression to be the corporate home of the largest retailer in the world, Wal-Mart, Tyson Foods Inc., one of the largest poultry and beef processors in the world and J.B. Hunt, one of the largest trucking companies in the world.  We are the home of NanoMech Inc., a local private company that you will want to watch as it graces the covers of some the leading publications that cover the Nano sciences. I must mention XNA Regional Airport that has direct flights to many of our nation’s metro areas, and that is constantly on the march to improving the facility and service to the Northwest Arkansas region.

I must mention the athletic success and prowess of the Razorbacks in almost every collegiate sport in the mighty South Eastern Conference. I want to mention the Naturals in Springdale, the farm team of the Kansas City Royals.

My point is simply this Northwest Arkansas is an amazing conglomeration of people, visions, energy and ambitions.

Whether your interest is in a place to invest, work, or live, Northwest Arkansas has a very strong menu to consider, whether it is in the corporate arena, small business opportunities, academic opportunities, arts, sports entertainment and as an example I will mention the LPGA, and access to other areas of the country through flight, how can Northwest Arkansas not be highly visible on your radar screen.

Come join the excitement, join the march, get in this game, come invest, work, live and play in this geographically beautiful area. Did I mention that we have lakes?

kibitz: (chat) with Julie Petree, Manager of Marketing and Communications for United Way of Northwest Arkansas

This week we had an opportunity to chat with Julie Petree, Manager of Marketing and Communications for United Way of Northwest Arkansas.

We felt it important that in a blog series centered around economic development and business growth that we also highlighted the impact that businesses are also having through their corporate giving efforts.

Thanks, Julie, for taking time to chat with us!





Tell us about the mission of United Way, and how many organizations are supported through your efforts.

How do I put into a few words what United Way of Northwest Arkansas (UWNWA) is all about? UWNWA’s mission is to build a stronger Northwest Arkansas by identifying needs around education income, and health, then mobilizing resources to effectively meet them – but that summed up mission statement is so hard to capture all that we do. We are an information hub, we are a resource for nonprofit agencies to get everyday essentials, we are a volunteer center – I could really go on and on. I think that gives you an idea though of what UWNWA does.  We support over 67 area nonprofits through grant funding in Northwest Arkansas, and over 76 programs that give back in our community.

How many companies are involved in corporate giving?  How many individuals?

Over 250 companies, 300 In-House Coordinators and campaign volunteers, and over 15,000 donors participate in United Way's annual campaign.  All money given and raised in Northwest Arkansas, stays in Northwest Arkansas and goes back into area nonprofits.

What has United Way seen in terms of growth or decline in giving?  How does this effect our community?

Really we have seen giving to UWNWA remain flat. A lot of our donors understand the tough times our economy is facing, and when possible have increased their donations. So that kind of offsets those who are experiencing the pressures of a down economy.  Through a survey sent to our partner agencies, we saw that need has gone up in our community, but funding sources have decreased for a lot of agencies. We are currently working with our partner agencies to see how UWNWA can help them better serve our community. We all have to come together and realize that our impact as a group – as a community – will have a much greater affect than if we all try to do our own thing. That is kind of where the whole LIVE UNITED them comes from. We need to LIVE UNITED as Northwest Arkansas. It is more important now, more than ever, to reach out a hand to your neighbor, your friends, your family, even a stranger. 

What were of some the major accomplishments in 2011?  What are some of your goals for 2012?

I would have to say that a couple of our greatest accomplishments from 2011 were the establishment of the NWA Diaper Bank and the launching our very own Dolly Parton Imagination Library.   The Diaper Bank was made possible by a generous donation of one million diapers from Kimberly Clark.  It is kind of like our Gifts In Kind Warehouse in the sense that agencies apply to be a part of it, but it only has diapers and baby essentials in it. 

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library was made possible by an anonymous gift. The program is designed to promote a love of reading among children.  Children who are enrolled in this program will receive one age-appropriate book a month from birth until the age of five.  The best thing about this program is it is FREE! The only eligibility requirements are that the child be under one year of age at the time of enrollment and that they live in Benton, Washington, Madison or McDonald County.

kibitz: (chat) with Gary Comiskey, Director of Economic Development and Membership for the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce

This week we were able to chat with Gary Comiskey, Director of Economic Development and Membership for the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce.  Gary joined the Siloam Chamber this past fall, and has already hit the ground running.  We are very excited to hear about what is happening in that corner of Northwest Arkansas. 

Thank you, Gary, for taking time to chat with us this week!

What type of growth has Siloam Springs seen this past year and what can we expect to see in 2012?

While the economy has certainly affected our community, Siloam Springs has continued a slow but steady growth trend over the last few years. We are seeing positive signs of recovery within our community and expect 2012 numbers to be up; at least two industries have indicated they will be making announcements of modest expansions within the next month.


Would you attribute most growth to large industry or small business openings this year?

Our large industries have taken some big hits the last few years but have remained stable across the board. We are seeing an uptick in our small business openings which is a very positive sign for the future. With expected growth by some of our large industries this year, recent visits to 20 of our largest employers revealed that expectations are positive for our local economy.


How has the city's infrastructure kept up with the growth?

We are very fortunate to have aggressive City leadership. We have seen upgrades in our water treatment facility and are in the process of building a new Electric transfer station, North of town, that will allow for substantial residential and industrial growth. Our main highway access thru town is in the middle of a transformation from a 4 lane highway to a 6 lane. Phase 1 is expected to be completed this year.  The City has developed a large former agricultural area in the Northeast quadrant, with two new streets that are now home to a new high school and new hospital, with more medical facilities planned in the vicinity.


How does Siloam Springs rank in comparison to other city's of it's size/structure?

We are proud to be a part of the NWA MSA and the accolades that come with that, such as being the 10th least expensive area in the country.  We do not have any rankings that compare us to cities our size, but Siloam Springs is exceptional in that the City owns the electrical system, which generates good revenue for city services.  We are very proud of our community and are excited to see what 2012 has in store for us.

kibitz: (chat) with Tom Ginn, Vice President of Economic Development for the Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce

This week we chatted with Tom Ginn, Vice President of Economic Development for the Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce. 

We appreciate his insight on some of the current and projected happenings here in Bentonville.

Thank you for taking time to chat with us this week, Tom!



What major growth did you see in 2011?

We have seen mostly growth within our larger companies, with a good dose of small/entrepreneurial business growth. The overall jobs have not increased, as some businesses are running out of reserve capital waiting for the economy to improve, and not hiring more folks.


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

We expect the effects of the opening of the Crystal Bridges Museum to be very positive for tourism in general and to add more restaurants, etc. 


How much of that growth do you expect to be a direct impact from the opening of Crystal Bridges?

As a percentage, not sure. There are a lot of factors in the world economy and with worldwide companies  located here, the overall economy needs to improve. We expect it will take a few years before that arrives again. 


With the planned expansion of the Walton Arts Center, do you see any other fine arts or museum attractions opening in Bentonville in the next 3-5 years?

We expect the NWA Children’s Museum to open perhaps in that time frame as they raise money for that venue. Also the Native American Museum is continuing to expand.  


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

Probably some of both. I expect in Bentonville the return of or expansion of suppliers and Wal-Mart itself grew as their business has grown. These are a result of changing the merchandising focus within Wal-Mart. 


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

We believe, as Mayor McCaslin has stated, that the impending EPA rules on wastewater discharge, if not abated, could significantly curtail our future growth. Also, our other infrastructure needs, if not addressed, would lead to a slowing of growth. A continued slow worldwide economy will slow us down somewhat also.

kibitz: (chat) with Steve Cox, Director of Economic Development with the Rogers/Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce

Over the holidays, we had a chance to catch-up with Steve Cox, Director of Economic Development with the Rogers/Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce.  In our "chat" with him, we learned many exciting things that have been happening within Rogers and Lowell in 2011, and what is expected now that we are rolling into 2012.



Thank you, Steve, for taking time to kibitz with us!



What trends have you seen in 2011 in terms of business growth, job creation, and development in Rogers?

One of the best things to happen for Rogers in 2011 was the passing of the $135 million bond issue with an 80% approval.  This will allow for improved infrastructure by improving existing roads, building new roads, and the construction of a new sports complex on Hudson Road and a water park on 26th St.  There will also be renovations to Lake Atalanta and the purchase of land for a future park in Southwest Rogers.  By improving the quality of life for our residents the city of Rogers will continue to be on the shortlist for companies seeking to open businesses in our area.  

Developments like The Pinnacle Hills Promenade, Scottsdale Center, Pinnacle Hills, and Pleasant Crossing all opening in the past few years and having continued growth in 2011 have helped cement Rogers’ place as the retail destination for Northwest Arkansas.  In 2011 Rogers has seen over 400,000 SF of retail space become sold, leased, or built throughout town.  Restaurant growth has been tremendous with 25 restaurants opening in 2011 with at least 4 more set to open in the first quarter of 2012.

The announcement of Cabela’s coming to Rogers to open a 100,000 SF store at The Pinnacle Hills Promenade has spurred development for that area as new business are lining up to build and lease space in the Pinnacle Hills area.  

The retail sector isn’t the only thing that is doing well in Rogers.  Our major employers and manufacturing sector are thriving as well.  This year alone we have had the Clorox/Glad plant invest over $34 million to modernize their facility in the same year they celebrated 40 years of operation in Rogers.  This level of investment shows a continued commitment to Rogers and no signs of shutting down operations anytime soon.  The Sister of Mercy Health System recently announced an expansion that will result in a $90 million investment over the next 7 years.  This will create improved medical services for the residents of Rogers and Northwest Arkansas as well as community clinics in Bella Vista and Downtown Rogers.  There are two other companies seeking to invest over $70 million into the community and create over 100 jobs by expanding operations, but we are not able to say who at this time.

Commercial office space is starting to become a rare commodity in Rogers.  Pinnacle Hills has leased out over 117,000 SF of office space to a total of 25 companies this year.  The Pinnacle Hills Promenade has also had great success by leasing over 30,000 SF of office space to five different companies just this year.  There isn’t much space left in The Promenade coming off a successful year in 2010 as well.

Another trend has been the re-emergence of Downtown Rogers in 2011.  Over 20 new businesses have opened in downtown in 2011 and the historic district is at 94% occupancy.

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

I expect to see Rogers continue to grow in all sectors of business.  As I already mentioned we are the retail destination for Northwest Arkansas and that shows no signs of changing anytime soon.  The ongoing development of the major shopping areas in town will look to improve as the national economy improves and the impact of existing development like Cabela’s and The Pinnacle Hills Promenade will continue to fuel other retailers to move into the area.

Rogers offers the best Class A office space in the area and will continue to see development of that sector as companies move into the area needing office space.

With the completion of the branding process put forth by the Rogers Convention and Visitors Bureau declaring Rogers as the city “Where Possible Lives” and the adoption of this brand throughout the city I see Rogers being able to market itself on a level like never before on a regional and national level.  Add in the cooperating efforts of the Northwest Arkansas Council’s economic development program and we are primed for continued rapid business and population growth.

How does Northwest Arkansas or Rogers rank among other cities nationally?

Northwest Arkansas and the cities within it have received multiple national recognitions this year from various publications and institutes:

Rogers has received recognition two years in a row by CNN/Money as the 10th best small city to live in America.

Northwest Arkansas as a region is ranked 5th best mid-sized metro in the nation for job growth by Forbes for 2011.

The Milken Institute ranked NWA as the 26th best performing metro area in the nation.  This was a step up from our ranking of 43rd in 2010.

NWA is ranked as the 8th lowest metro area for cost of living by the Council for Community and Economic Research for the 3rd quarter of 2011.

Have you seen more growth in small business or large industry?

Rogers has seen very positive growth in both areas.  The Minority Business Development program offered at the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce has taken great strides this year in reaching out to minority business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.  Small business and entrepreneurs can receive assistance through various programs at the Chamber and our partnerships with organizations like Innovate Arkansas, the Arkansas Small Business Technology and Development Center, SCORE, and the Northwest Arkansas Council.  These programs and partnerships are in place to continue to foster a positive climate for small business growth.   In terms of large industry, there is current growth and planned expansions coming as I have mentioned above.  We are always looking for future growth opportunities by keeping track of available properties and recruiting businesses that would be a good fit for our area.

If you own a business or are looking to start a business in Rogers or Lowell, please do not hesitate to contact myself or Geovanny Sarmiento, VP of Minority Business Development, at 479.636.1240