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History of the Vision Process
The community’s long-range planning process was first conducted in 1989 (“Vision 2000”). The Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce has collaborated with citizens and community leaders to revisit the community plan five more times since 1989 (Vision 2010, 2015, 2020 and 2025). The previous version, “Vision 2020,” was completed in September 2002, and the “Vision 2025” process was conducted from April-November 2008.
Several intercity visits have been conducted in the past by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, most recently to Springfield, Mo., and Chattanooga, Tenn. The most common factor in these and other successful, thriving communities throughout the United States is a long-range planning process which engages citizens and leaders in identifying and proposing solutions to advance their community.
The strategic planning process has been a vital component to our community’s success, and is referenced frequently by leadership and planning bodies as they make critical planning decisions. It encourages community participation and citizen input, allowing individuals to influence the future of our community and impact issues about which they are passionate. Most importantly, it serves as a springboard to launch us into new projects, infrastructure and facilities.
In Rogers and Lowell, past projects resulting from “Vision” goals have included annexations, streets, library expansions, court and police facilities, parks and many others. Specific projects have included the Perry Road Interchange, New Hope Road enhancements, the 45th Street Bridge, the Rogers greenways and trails master plan, opening of the Lowell Historical Museum, resolution of Lowell water and sewer issues and lifting of a building moratorium, passage of a Lowell sales tax, annexation, a master street plan and a future land use plan.
Structure of Vision 2025
Community surveys were conducted in March and April 2008, with more than 500 individuals submitting opinions and feedback. Survey results were compiled and used to identify and prioritize sectors representing key issues identified by each community. Leadership for the process was selected in May, with David Thrasher and Bill Watkins serving as “Vision 2025” co-chairs for Rogers, and Greg Stanfill and Mike Solomon serving as “Vision 2025” co-chairs for Lowell.
In June, committee chairs were selected for 38 sectors, with committee meetings held throughout July, August and September 2008. A first draft of sector reports was presented to the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Advisory Board as well as the Main Street Rogers board in October, and the final report was presented to the community at the Leaders Conference held on Nov. 18, 2008.
Participants in the strategic planning process were asked to think big and to solicit input from throughout the community. Sector committees were asked to consider their charge as it related to our community in 2025, and to identify short and long-term goals to address issues related to their sector. The final individual sector reports were compiled into the “Vision 2025” plan, one document which serves as a road map for advancing our community.
For more information on "Vision 2025" and the strategic planning process, contact:
Dana Mather
Vice President of Community Development
Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce
317 W. Walnut St.
Rogers, AR 72756
479-619-3182
dana@rogerslowell.com
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