RLACC Mission 5 | Your Quarterly Report: Economic Development

Posted by: Justin Freeman on Wednesday, August 3, 2022

Our Vision is for the Rogers-Lowell Area to be the center of world-class business, welcoming communities, and opportunities for all. This Vision drives our mission-work.

The Mission 5 Report is a quarterly report highlighting our results, accomplishments and other outcomes from the Chamber’s efforts to be influencers, catalysts, and conveners: the trusted source for growing business, activating leaders, and building community.

The Chamber’s five key focus areas for its mission-work, called the “Mission 5”, include Economic Development, Community Development, Small Business & Entrepreneurial Development, Advocacy & Government Affairs, and Destination Marketing & Management.

Whether you are an investor in our mission-work through Vision 100 or through membership in the Chamber, or both, you are helping to fuel these important outcomes for the Rogers-Lowell Area. We thank you for your investment in our community’s future and taking time to learn more about our mission-work highlights in this report.

Economic Development

This mission-work creates a pro-business, pro-growth economic environment. It spurs economic growth as a key driver for increasing the sales tax base which funds education, public safety, and infrastructure. We also develop talent pipelines for current and future workforce needs by connecting educators and students with industry. Our resources and support help our community sustain responsible economic development growth from Downtown Rogers to Uptown Rogers and Lowell.

Q2 2022 Highlights:

• Rogers has created over 1,200 jobs and the labor force has grown by over 1,000 since January.
• The current unemployment rate in Rogers is 2.1% (second lowest in the state).
• Sales tax collections in Rogers remain above 2021 levels and are at 52% of matching 2021’s record numbers.
• A total of 47 Downtown Rogers businesses are now offering interactive experiences that go beyond selling goods and services.
• The Chamber issued four news releases featuring Downtown Rogers business and development stories resulting in 24 media placements to raise awareness.
• Chamber Staff presented Downtown Rogers economic development programs to three organizations in the 2nd quarter.
• Downtown Rogers is on track to increase the number of multi-family units by 133% in the next two years.
• $1.55 million in capital improvements in Downtown Rogers were reported in the 2nd quarter (compared to $1.64 million in the 1st quarter).
• Four businesses opened in the 2nd quarter and 18 more are coming soon.