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Russellville Area Chamber

For almost 90 years, the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce has brought area businesses together in support of economic growth and initiatives that support the community. The Chamber has more than 1,100 members, ranging from single employee operations to companies with more than 1,000 employees. All types of businesses are represented, showing the diverse business community of the Russellville area.

The mission of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce is to stand as a voluntary organization of businesses and professional men and women who have joined together for the purpose of promoting the civic, economic, professional, cultural and industrial progress of our community. Approximately 200 active volunteers, a 32-member Board of Directors and an internal professional staff carry out our mission. These individuals are composed of professional men and women who serve as the front door to the community, as well as offer support for all Chamber members. Their goal is to continually enhance the quality of life for the community and make this area an even better place to live, work and play.

Membership in the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce brings you access to programs and services designed to promote your business and community. Your Chamber investment assures continued efforts to improve the quality of life for all citizens of the Russellville area. The Chamber is the area’s business advocacy organization and is positioned to assist you in your growth and financial success.

The Chamber receives daily requests for sources of products and services. In a month, we get as many as 1,500 calls. Only Chamber members are referred, all equally. The Chamber is the only organization that devotes 100 percent of its time and resources to promote the Russellville area. Business promotional brochures describing member’s products and services are displayed in the Chamber lobby. In 2006, 4,511 information packages were mailed throughout the state, nationally and internationally.

The Chamber has developed advertising opportunities for Chamber members throughout the years. The Chamber produces and distributes over 5,000 Community Profile and Membership Directories to Chamber members, newcomers and visitors each year. Each member in good standing may receive two listings in the directory—alphabetical and classified by product or service. Up to two additional listings are available for a nominal fee. For more than 20 years, members have had an opportunity to purchase an advertisement in this premier information source. Contact us for display advertising.

The Chamber newsletter, Russellville Area Business Connection, is published monthly and is widely distributed throughout the community. Copies are mailed to all current members. Members are included in appropriate business articles, ribbon cuttings, grand openings, Business After Hours and many other events. Advertising is available for a nominal fee. Members may promote a product or service, or simply send a message to other Chamber members.

In 2006, there were approximately 75,000 visitors on the Chamber website. All members receive a free Internet presence through both alphabetical and classified listings. When a member’s business has a website or email address, they can link directly to/from the Chamber site for a one-time fee of $25.00 (e-mail) and/or $50.00 (website address link). If a member does not have a website, the Chamber will create an informational web-flyer for a one-time fee of $75.00. This allows our members greater web exposure without the expense of a website.

The Chamber provides several networking opportunity events throughout the year. This is a great way to exchange information, make business contacts, renew contacts, meet local suppliers, and announce changes, as well as new products and services. Members are encouraged to take full advantage of the exposure the event offers. Business After Hours is held the second Thursday of the month from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at various member locations. Event hosts are encouraged to address participants about their company and exhibit their products and services. Come enjoy the food, door prizes and conversation.

Another business–building opportunity is the First Friday Luncheon. This event is a seated luncheon with announcements and a keynote speaker. Members are encouraged to take advantage of the exposure offered. First Friday Luncheons are held the first Friday of every other month at various locations. Cost is $8.00 per member.

Speed Networking is the newest and most innovative networking opportunity for Chamber members. This program gives businesses the opportunity to meet one another, one-on-one, in a structured, low pressure environment. Speed Networking adds value to Chamber membership, while helping many of the smaller businesses survive and grow.

New Member Orientations are held throughout the year for new members of the Chamber. The program was developed to assist a new business venture with all the Chamber has to offer. It’s a great way for new members to meet and become familiar with the Chamber staff, programs and overall benefits of Chamber membership.

Russellville offers a number of value added benefits to Chamber members such as Small Business Insurance, Leadership Russellville, ribbon cuttings, lobbying for business, small business material and seminars, mailing labels, sponsorship opportunities, conference rooms and useful publications.

The Chamber Alliance Program (CAP) is a unique opportunity for the Chamber of Commerce to provide members with an insurance benefits package. Available exclusively to Chamber members in good standing, the package includes health insurance by QualChoice/ QCA, group life provided by Unum Provident, and individual health by United American. By joining the Chamber and CAP, members enjoy insurance benefits previously too costly for them to purchase on their own.

Russellville is preparing for the future through programs like Leadership Russellville. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, this nine-month program is designed to identify, educate and motivate potential community leaders to utilize this program to become involved in the future of the community by addressing the realities, opportunities and challenges of the community.

Businesses celebrating special events, such as a new business opening, relocation, major building expansion, or a special anniversary, can request a ribbon cutting by the Red Coat committee. This is an excellent form of inexpensive publicity by utilizing local news media.

The Chamber is proud to represent the needs of the business community. Businesses’ request for legislation to allow small business to expand, reduce paperwork or other regulations are discussed. Plans are then formulated to bring these views and interests to the attention of legislators. This work is coordinated with the Arkansas State Chamber.

The Chamber has a library of small business information made available through the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Arkansas Small Business Development Center. Some information is available for loan, while other resources are accessible at no charge. Business seminars are held throughout the year. Topics, locations, times and costs vary. For more information, contact the Chamber office.

Another service and benefit to Chamber members is a complete Chamber mailing list available to members for $25.00. Also available are preprinted labels for $40.00. The Chamber offers sponsorship opportunities at many community events like the Annual Membership Banquet, Industrial Appreciation Golf Tournament, Business Expo and many more. Members may receive promotional placement at these events in the form of banners, t-shirts, promotional items, etc.

The Chamber provides meeting or conference rooms for use. The rooms include visual aid equipment including a television, VCR, built-in-screen, chalkboard, easels, kitchen privileges, copy machine, fax, telephones, etc. Contact us for member and non-member rates. The Russellville Area Chamber also provides resources and other publications to Chamber members and the community.

The following information and unique contacts are available:
• Civic Clubs and Organizations: contact person, address and telephone
• Prospective newcomers lists for nominal fee
• Calendar of community and area events
• Telephone directories
• Area statistics and demographics
• Community profile
• Chamber monthly newsletter
• Legislative updates
• Tourist brochures and visitor information
• City and County map