those who have helped support them. Supporting local non-profits and spon- soring events is great exposure for the business. Attending events is also a great way to network with other busi- nesspeople and potential customers. When a business supports their com-
The Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce is now in its new location at 1337 U.S. Highway 62B, in Mountain Home.
Question: How long has the Moun- tain Home Area Chamber of Com- merce been in the area and what is its purpose? Answer: The Mountain Home Cham- ber opened in February 1936. Our job is to make our community a place where people want to raise their families, where tourists want to vacation and where businesses can grow and thrive. We understand the importance of creat- ing and supporting a strong local econo- my. The Chamber provides local net- working opportunities, community sup- port, business and organization advoca- cy, local and state resources and serves as the voice of small business to govern- ment at the local, state and federal lev- els.
Q: How does the Chamber impact the community? A: When you support and get in-
volved with the Chamber and the com- munity, you are positively impacting your local economy. We are recruiting potential customers with the Chamber’s marketing efforts at trade shows, adver- tising on
arkansas.com, direct mailings and social media. People almost never walk into a busi- ness and say, “the Chamber of Com- merce sent me.” However, we make thousands of referrals a year and send hundreds each year to our members’ businesses.
The Chamber does a lot of things be- hind the scenes that most people think just happen. We lobby our state legisla- ture and federal congressional delega- tion to secure the resources necessary to improve our highways, support the fish hatchery, help defeat bills that will hurt our businesses and help support bills that will benefit them. Q: Why is it important for business-
es to be invested in the Twin Lakes Area?
A: When a business invests in the Twin Lakes Area they are giving back to
munity, it strengthens the perception of the company and creates a positive im- age that gives potential customers con- fidence in the company’s brand. It also shows our visitors and potential inves- tors that the Twin Lakes Area is unified and supportive. Q: What are some of the Chamber’s
programs?
A: One of the most important benefits of Chamber membership is the relation- ships you build. Not only do you get to network at Chamber events, but you gain friendships, associates and advo- cates. Programs like our First Friday Luncheons, Business After Hours, An- nual Banquet, Leadership Mountain Home and Small Business Seminars provide a great way to build those rela- tionships. We also offer a range of paid and free
advertising options. Members can ad- vertise in our vacation/relocation guide, which we take to trade shows and mail out hundreds of copies weekly. We also have advertising opportunities on our website, through our social media and on the Mountain Home/Baxter County map.
Q: What is Leadership Mountain Home?
A: Leadership Mountain Home is a unique program that engages partici- pants with community leaders, busi- nesses and organizations. Through the program, participants develop an awareness of business issues and chal- lenges facing our community. They also discover personal leadership strengths and establish valuable community rela- tionships and resources. The program runs from August to June with monthly sessions that include team building, local history/tourism, education, local government, industry, communications, healthcare, law en- forcement and state government. The group also completes a group project. Past projects include downtown Moun- tain Home flags, Bare Necessities 5K for socks and underwear for the Mountain Home Public School’s closets, commu- nity cupboard, Dollar Energy Fund to aid families with utility bills, Movies in the Park and the brick Mountain Home signs on the East and West ends of town. Q: What opportunities exist with the new Baxter County Forward plan?
6 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 LIVING WELL
A: There are seven action teams in
Baxter County Forward: Business & In- dustry, Drug Abuse, Education & Work- force Development, Funding & Finance, Quality of Place, Retirees & Retiree At- traction and Tourism, Marketing & Branding. When Baxter County Forward had its launch party in May, a Blueprint and Action Plan was provided giving an overview of Baxter County Forward and a list of short term and five-year goals from each of those teams.
Goals include completing the Com-
petitive Communities Program, devel- oping an effective, local drug recovery pathway, creating a workforce develop- ment magazine that highlights local business and industry, murals, a driving range, planting trees, developing walk- ing and bike trails, becoming a certified Retirement City, hosting business branding workshops, and creating a new brand for our community. Many of these goals will require funding. There have been several short-term goals met, but we need to keep momentum going and we can only do that with the sup- port of the community. I would encour- age anyone who has ideas or would like to become involved and serve on a com- mittee to reach out to the Chamber and we will connect you with the team lead- er.
Q: Why is Mountain Home a great
place to start a business? A: Mountain Home is home to the No.
1 ranked two-year university in America, one of the top-ranked, award-winning hospitals in the country, retail establish- ments not found in some communities twice our size, an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities that rival most of the United States, a strong work ethic and a low crime rate when compared to state and national averages. Arkansas offers attractive average wage rates and ranks in the top five states with the low- est worker compensation rates. The cost of living in Mountain Home and the state of Arkansas are below the average for the nation. Q: How can people become involved with the Chamber? A: First and most importantly, join the Chamber if you are not a member. There are many benefits visibly and be- hind the scenes. However, joining is just the first step; participation is the key to receiving the most out of your member- ship. Attend or host one of our many net- working events, participate in the Lead- ership Mountain Home program, join an action team with Baxter County For- ward, volunteer on a planning commit- tee or become an Ambassador.
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