Workforce Development is a key focus area of the Chamber’s Economic Development mission-work. One way the Chamber helps create talent pipelines in our community is through the Kindergarten to Job or K2J Connect program. K2J Connect brings together educators and students with industries to showcase local in-demand jobs and career pathways, many of which do not require college degrees.

Teaching Students About in-demand Careers: The Chamber recently partnered with Atrium Hospitality and the Embassy Suites in Rogers to bring together 100 middle and high school students from Rogers schools discussing hospitality careers for this K2J Connect event. The Chamber’s Economic Development and Visit Rogers division educated students on in-demand career pathways and the variety of careers available in the hospitality sector.

Engaging our Large Industry Council: Along with its K2J Connect program, the Chamber brings educators, business leaders and the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce together in the Large Industry Council to brainstorm ways to support our workforce talent pipeline.

Chamber Goes EAST: SVP of Economic Development Steve Cox recently visited with students from Arkansas Arts Academy as part of the school’s EAST program, teaching them about the work the Chamber does to make our region a great place to live, work and play.

• The EAST Initiative provides learners the opportunity to have relevant, individualized, life-changing educational experiences.
• EAST supplies students with the latest in sophisticated hardware and software technology and challenges them in identifying and solving problems and improving the communities in which they live.
• Students engage with community partners and master the tools of tomorrow’s tech-driven workforce, all while pursuing their own interests as they develop and complete service projects.

Recruiting Tech Startups: The Chamber also recently partnered with Startup Junkie to speak with members of the Fuel Accelerator program about opening or relocating to our region. Program participants from around the world learned about current and future growth of the region and why it’s a good place to start and grow their businesses.

Community on the Rise: The most recent sales tax and jobs data for the City of Rogers reveal a sharp increase. September sales tax collections show a 13.2% increase over 2021. The most recent employment data from the Department of Workforce Services reveals Rogers has created over 1,500 jobs since January and labor force growth over 1,600. This results in a 2.6% unemployment rate, which is well below the state and national averages.

Why It matters: Job growth equates to more money being spent in the community. That money then generates local sales tax. This funds things like city infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life amenities. As we continue to grow both jobs and sales tax, our local economy grows and provides more funding for much needed local resources.