The headlines seem to grow worse with each passing day, further eroding consumer confidence. When the closure of a local bank makes national headlines, we know the nation’s economic crisis has hit northwest Arkansas, a place once considered well-insulated from the ups and downs of the national economy. Add to that the rapidly increasing price of a gallon of gas, and it is easy to understand why many families in NWA are cutting back to make ends meet.

That’s where our story changes, says Rogers Mayor Steve Womack. The northwest Arkansas economy is still growing although the pace has relaxed, according to the mayor. He recently reported growth in the city’s sales-tax revenue, adding, “The numbers suggest there’s strength in our economy. The vast majority of northwest Arkansas continues to do very well.” He believes that’s a message that needs to be spread.

To maintain the growth of the local economy, area residents need to keep their dollars in the community by shopping locally. While it used to be a tradition for northwest Arkansas families to go “back to school” shopping in Springfield, Tulsa and Little Rock, today, families don’t need to leave the region to find everything on their shopping lists. With a wide variety of retailers, restaurants and professional service providers, residents can find everything they want in northwest Arkansas.

While the Chamber sees bright spots and signs of recovery in the near future, it’s also clear that businesses need support immediately, and the Chamber is ready to help.        

First, the Chamber is offering members free e-coupons on www.RogersLowell.com. Chamber members are encouraged to promote products and services to members and the public through an easy-to-use coupon listing on the Chamber website.

Members simply log in to the Members Only section of the site and follow simple instructions to post an e-coupon. Posting an e-coupon is free and available only to Chamber members, providing a valuable membership benefit by driving customers directly to your business. You don’t even have to offer a discount – post this week’s specials, a free trial or a special bonus to those who say they saw your e-coupon.

Tied into the e-coupon program is a publicity campaign that is designed to promote area businesses. The “BuyNWA.biz” campaign will encourage residents to purchase goods and services locally. A special webpage, www.BuyNWA.biz, will link directly to the e-coupons at www.RogersLowell.com, and will include other information area buyers are seeking.

Promotional advertising in area media, including print, TV, radio, internet and other media outlets, will encourage residents to shop locally for a wide variety of products and services in order to support area businesses, thereby helping improve the local economy.

“These programs are designed to boost consumer confidence in our area,” said Chamber President/CEO Raymond Burns. “The goal is to spread good news about the local economy, keep business in the region, and bring more business to northwest Arkansas while supporting member businesses,” he added. 

Believing in ourselves is important, said Mayor Womack, adding, “We need to tell our story, and ours is a very good story.”

View e-Coupons Here

Use the e-coupons to share this week’s specials, a sales event or a free trial. Get started today to see results tomorrow.

For more information on this valuable member benefit, contact Shelle Summers at 479-619-3187 or ssummers@rogerslowell.com.