Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.
Board of Directors
-Elizabeth Andrew
Your Chamber is a vibrant organization whose success is dependent on its members and the direction of their Board of Directors, who help guide that success. The men and women featured on this page have dedicated their time and talents to do just that, and we are extremely grateful!
They meet monthly on the third Tuesday of each month as a Board to assure our program of work is being successfully carried out. They also volunteer to serve on various committees of the Chamber that meet throughout the month. Thank you, ladies & gentlemen, for all that you do!
Executive Committee Jeff Davis - Chair
Smith Schafer Davis Gaertig, LLC 2nd term ends Dec. 2019
Heath Stewart - Chair Elect First National Bank 1st term ends Dec. 2019
Jen Vrtiska - Treasurer
Midwest Livestock Systems, Inc. 1st term ends Dec. 2019
Patrick Ethridge - Secretary Beatrice Daily Sun 2nd term ends Dec. 2019
Karen Stohs - Past Chair NE Dept of Labor 2nd term ends Dec. 2019
Directors Jeff Davis Chair
Smith Schafer Davis Gaertig LLC
Heath Stewart Chair Elect
First National Bank
Jennifer Vrtiska Treasurer Midwest Livestock Systems, Inc.
Patrick Ethridge Secretary Beatrice Daily Sun
Joe Blackburn
Blackburn Technologies 2nd term ends Dec 2021
Zachary Coffin
Harmon-Wright Mortuary & Crematory 2nd term ends Dec 2021
Chief Davidson
Neapco 1st term ends Dec 2020
Julie Feist Karen Stohs Past Chair
Joe Blackburn
Blackburn Technologies
NE Dept. of Labor
Zachary Coffin
Harman-Wright Mortuary & Crematory
Chief Davidson Neapco
First State Bank Nebraska 1st term ends Dec. 2020
Rick Haraldson
Beatrice Community Hospital & Health Center 1st term ends Dec. 2021
Dr. Jacob May
Inline Healing 2nd term ends Dec. 2019
Dr. Jackie Nielsen
Beatrice Public Schools 1st term ends Dec. 2021 Julie Feist
First State Bank
Rick Haraldson
Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center
Dr. Jacob May Inline Healing
Dr. Jackie Nielsen
Beatrice Public Schools
Ryan Norris
Farmers Cooperative 1st term ends Dec. 2020
Colleen Schoneweis
Colleen’s Catering/Vintage Venue 1st term ends Dec. 2020
Erich Tiemann
R.L. Tiemann Construction 2nd term ends Dec 2021 Ryan Norris
Farmers Cooperative
Colleen Schoneweis Colleen’s Catering
Erich Tiemann R.L. Tiemann Construction, Inc.
4221 Juergen Rd. Grand Island, NE 68802 (308) 384-2121 www.eagledistributing.beer
We don’t just sell and deliver beer, we build brands, and have fun doing it.
PAGE 2
THE NEWS
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. -African Proverb
5 Reasons you need to network THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW TO LEARN
For those starting out in their careers, having the chance to receive advice from people with considerably more job experience is invaluable. They can help you figure out your next job move, whether it’s the right time to ask for a promotion, or if you’re on the right career track. Never forget that each successful person you meet has a wealth of knowledge on offer. The more established professionals you befriend, the bigger the library of career advice you are building.
IT HELPS WITH THE JOB SEARCH
Think of the last time you got hired. Maybe someone forwarded your resume over to the relevant point person. Or perhaps a former colleague put you in touch with their company’s HR department. While online job sites are useful and practical, a personal recommendation always goes a long way when searching for a new job or a new employee. The more people in your network, the more opportunities you have to expand the scope of your search in a positive, tactical way.
WHAT GOES AROUND, COMES AROUND
Instead of thinking about networking solely as what you can gain from it, it’s wise to think about what you can give to others, too. Not only are your ideas and insight valuable to people looking to break into your industry, but it’s always good karma to help someone else along the way. Not only will that person be grateful to you for helping them achieve their goals, they’ll also be much more inclined to return the favor whenever the time comes.
If you’re ready to go further, sign up to attend the Beatrice Area Chamber’s 30.90 Progressive Lunch on March 13th! The event is hosted by our Young Professionals Group, but is open to any and all ages and professions. Meet 30 people in 90 minutes! To sign up, send the insert included in this newsletter to
nfast@beatricechamber.com
or return it to the Chamber at 218 N 5th in Beatrice.
NETWORKS ARE THE BEST SUPPORT GROUPS
Networks are the groups people hit up when they are searching for advice, a new job, or a trustworthy new employee. In other words, networks are your career support groups; they are there in good times and in bad, when you need them and when they need you.
NETWORKING INCREASES YOUR VISIBILITY
The next time a hiring manager is looking to promote someone in the company, who do you think they’re going to consider? Someone they have seen participating in meetings and after-work get togethers and events? Or someone who goes into the office every morning and goes straight out by 5:00 p.m.? If you get to know others and others get to know you, then the higher the chances are that someone will want to work closely with you in the future.
Strengthen. Sustain. Grow. It’s your move.
source: https://thebeehive.bumble.com/bumbleblog/why-is-networking-so-important-for-your-career
VOLUME XLIV, #2
PAGE 3
Call for Stories Membership & Marketing Coordinator, Nolan Fast
Let’s talk about Facebook. It can be a wonderful tool for businesses to have a presence online and theoretically reach hundreds or thousands of potential customers. In the United States in 2018, Facebook said there were 214 million users. We were approached this past month about our past policy concerning sharing member updates across social media (or lack thereof). We recognize we weren’t doing a great job with that, and while we can’t change how things used to be, we can do a much better job moving forward. As your Chamber of Commerce, we want to be able to share everything we can about your business on our social media platforms, so we’ve come up with some simple guidelines to make sure we can do that fairly in a way that benefits everyone. Those guidelines were emailed out to all active and courtesy members, but if you haven’t seen them, the short version is that we want to share your events, updates, and sales, but if we’ve shared your stuff recently and another member would like something shared, you may get pushed back a slot so that everyone gets a turn. We do this to maintain a higher level of audience reach and engagement on our posts, If we were to share everything possible with no limits, our reach would suffer have a negative effect on everything we post. So send us your updates, events, sales, you name it, so that we can share them with our audience! BUT, keep in mind Facebook is not a one size fits all problem solver. Your marketing plan needs to be diversive and well planned. Consider other options on top of your Facebook when it comes to marketing. Get out and introduce yourself to everyone who’ll listen. Partner with other businesses. Beatrice is a small town, and if your sales are mostly local you need to think outside the box to get your message out there. Wacky waving arm flailing tube men might look tacky, but you sure know they’re there.
PAGE 4
Sponsorships
Chamber Challenge Members
It may seem early, but we’re already deep in Homestead Days® 2019 planning!
The following businesses have gone above and beyond to support the Chamber with an additional 25% added to their Chamber Dues.
If you’re interested in a sponsorship or being a part of our planning committee, you can send a message to info@beatricechamber.com.
Beatrice Ford Lincoln 402-223-3547
Your sponsorships help make Homestead Days® one of the largest community events in Southeast Nebraska!
Colleen’s Catering 402-239-3304
Why sponsor Homestead Days®? Events at Homestead Days® draw in thousands of people and their families from in and around Gage County. Your sponsorship puts your business in front of them, showing them what you have to offer, as well as showing that your business is strong and that you have the drive to support your community. Your sponsorship makes the events happen, helps your business, but also helps support the Chamber’s mission of supporting our local businesses.
Blackburn Technologies 402-228-8822
Homestead Land Co. 402-228-2090 Inline Healing 402-806-4317 John Bauer Individual Member Justin’s Neighborhood Meats 402-230-3275 Melody’s Cafe (402) 806-1505 Monolith (402) 413-5763 New York Life (402) 223-1930 Plaza Ridge Dental (402) 223-4140 Q5 Controls (855) 912-6100
This month’s Business After Hours is at First State Bank!
Rewound Power Motors Sales & Service (402) 228-4356
The event is March 21st, from 5:00-7:00pm.
Ron Maschmeier Individual Member
Business After Hours is a great time to network with other members, meet new people, and catch up with old friends.
Sonic Drive In (402) 230-1130 US Bank (402) 228-4213 Whispering Winds Cottage, LLC. (402) 228-6354
560 Sargent St. Beatrice, Nebraska (402) 230-9359 www.1fsb.bank
THE NEWS
supplement to the NEWS XLIV #3
2019 Homestead Days速 Beatrice, Nebraska
Grand Marshal Nomination Form Entries must be filled out completely and submitted to the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce by May 15, 2019. email: info@beatricechamber.com fax: 402.223.2339 mail: 218 N 5th Street, Beatrice, Nebraska 68310
The Homestead Days速 planning committee extends the opportunity to the community to nominate a deserving person for Grand Marshal of our 2019 Homestead Days速. The person being nominated should live in or be from Gage County and have contributed to the community in overwhelming ways. Nominations will be reviewed by the Homestead Days速 planning committee and their decision will be publicly announced on Thursday, June 20.
PERSON BEING NOMINATED: ______________________________________________ ADDRESS: _______________________________________________________________ PHONE NUMBER: _________________________________________________________ EMAIL: ___________________________________________________________________ PERSON IS AWARE THAT YOU NOMINATED THEM:
YES
NO
REASON PERSON IS BEING NOMINATED - (PLEASE INCLUDE MEMBERSHIPS/ORGANIZATIONS, NUMBER OF YEARS AS MEMBER, POSITION/OFFICE HELD, ETC.)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________
Questions? Angie Bruna 402.223.2338
info@beatricechamber.com
___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ Feel free to include additional pages as needed.
PERSON SUBMITTING NOMINATION: _________________________________ ADDRESS: _________________________________________________________ BeatriceChamber.com
PHONE NUMBER: ___________________________________________________ EMAIL: ____________________________________________________________ Supplement to The News, XLIV #3
Homestead Days® Parade
Saturday, June 22nd, 2019
REGISTRATION INFORMATION: • • • • • • • •
Register by June 1st, 2019, Cost is $20.00. Registrations after June 1st will be $25.00. Political Canidate entry fee is $50.00 ($60.00 after June 1st). Parade Line-up position and number will be given at check-in day of the parade. Entry Deadline: Registration must be in the Chamber office by Friday, June 15th, 2019. Registrations recieved after June 15th will be accepted ony if space allows. Parade entries allowed day of if space available with $50.00 fee. Position in parade line-up will be determined by the order entries are recieved. 130 entry limit. Floats are encouraged to reflect the Make Ideas Happen theme (space landing/continental railroad). Awards will be given to top float entries. Vendors during parade must contact Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce in advance and pay $75.00 fee.
ASSEMBLY: • • • •
Check-in located at the northwest corner of 19th & Court Streets. One person needs to report to check-in from each entry. Parade line-up is from 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM on Saturday, June 22nd. The parade will start at 10:00 AM. Line-up numbers and instructions will be given at check in. Horse entries will be located at the end of parade, unless you provide your own clean up. Please specify on form below.
PARADE RULES: • • • • •
Please do not throw candy or other items from moving vehicle. Giveaways must be distributed by walkers along side the parade entry. People walking need to be able to walk at the pace of the parade to help prevent large gaps. Children under age 12 must be part of a sponsored entry with adult supervision. Race cars and race trucks must be trailered and not running.
ENTRY NAME: PHONE:
CONTACT PERSON:
DATE:
BUSINESS/ORGANIZATION (IF DIFFERENT THAN ENTRY NAME): ADDRESS: EMAIL: ESTIMATED ENTRY LENGTH (FEET): NUMBER OF VEHICLES:
WILL YOU HAVE MUSIC?
YES
NO
WILL YOU PROVIDE HORSE CLEAN UP?
YES
NO
Please provide short description to be read by announcer. (~75 words max):
(IF APPLICABLE)
CHOOSE ENTRY CATEGORY “MAKE IDEAS HAPPEN” THEME FLOATS ANTIQUE/CLASSIC SADDLE CLUBS & HORSES MISC CATEGORY
By enterting this event, I hereby for myself, my heirs, the group or company I am representing, and executors waive any and all rights and claims for damage against the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce, the Homestead Days Committee, the City of Beatrice, Noon-Kiwanis Organization, and all volunteers, staff, and sponsors for any injuries or damage suffered by me or my group in connection with this event. I further certify I am in good physical condition to participate in this event. SIGNATURE:
DATE:
RETURN COMPLETED ENTRY FORM ALONG WITH FEE BY JUNE 15TH TO: Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce & Gage County Tourism 218 N 5th Street, Beatrice, NE 68310 Fax: 402-223-2339 info@beatricechamber.com
supplement to the NEWS XLIV #3
Office Use:
Date Rec’d Pmt. Info Notes
March 21st
supplement to the NEWS XLIV #3
Ribbon Cuttings & Member News Ambassadors, Cheryl Wirth - Chair, American Family Insurance
In February, the Chamber Ambassadors held a ribbon cutting at the Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center’s brand new Express Care Clinic during their open house. We had the opportunity to hear from CEO Rick Haraldson as well as Senior Executive of Clinic Services, Eric Trusty. They told us all about what it took to make this wonderful addition to Beatrice and Gage County happen and how it’s going to operate. Congratulations BCHHC, and thank you for investing in our community! The Express Care Clinic is located at 554 Sargent Street in Beatrice, next to Godfather’s Pizza.
Are you ready to have your own ribbon cutting?
Member Updates Dennis Lyons joined Luke Flatin as Co-Owner of Beatrice Sonic Drive-In. Dennis is also the Multi Unit Supervisor for Beatrice, Hastings and Holdrege. Congrats Dennis!
Mosaic of Beatrice received a check for $80,000 from the Bargain Box. The Bargain Box had 61 volunteers that contributed over 11,000 hours of time last year.
Unite Private Networks recently upgraded the fiber network that serves many of the schools throughout Gage County. UPN invested over $250,000 on this project and is excited to see the positive impact the upgrade will have on Gage County.
Do you have news to share? Send it to Nolan at nfast@beatricechamber.com with the subject “Member News” and we’ll share it in our newsletter!
Let us know! We would love to come by and host a ribbon cutting for you and your business. Do you know someone who is new to town, just remodeled, or moved their business? Let us know about that too, we welcome any opportunity to get out and show our support to our community! Don’t need a ribbon cutting, but want to host the Ambassadors for a coffee call? Let us know! What’s a coffee call? It’s an opportunity to host the Ambassadors and tell them about everything happening at your business and what you’ve been up to! We use this as an opportunity to learn more about our members so we can brag about them to everyone we know! Get ahold of us at 402-223-2338, or email info@beatricechamber.com
Legends of Clatonia is moving to Beatrice. They will be located inside the Indian Creek Mall.
VOLUME XLIV, #2
PAGE 5
Gage County Tourism Experience the “Ultimate African Circus” known as Cirque Zuma Zuma at The Hevelone Center on March 10th at 6:00 pm. The America’s Got Talent finalist will perform a show that is filled with dance, acrobatics, tumbling, music and more. Tickets will be available at Pinnacle Bank and Security First Bank. $10.00 for adults and free for students. Grab your friends and join Adams Community Foundation’s 1st Annual Trivia Night on March 16th at 6:00.
PAGE 6
Each team of eight will answer questions to ten themed trivia rounds. Cost is $200 a table and you must be 21 and over to participate. Don’t forget to dress up! There will be an award for Team Spirit! Unfortunately, The Beatrice Speedway’s Spring Nationals have been cancelled due to current track conditions, upcoming weather forecasts and area track schedules. The season opener will be Friday, May 3rd.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at The Black Crow on March 16th. They will have Irish food and drinks along with live music from 6:00 - 10:00. Join them for an evening of fun and frivolity! To see all the events taking place in March go to www.visitbeatrice.com. Courtney Schlake Gage County Tourism Coordinator
THE NEWS
Need more business? This newsletter is a prime opportunity to put your business in front of hundreds, if not thousands, of potential customers located right here in Beatrice and Gage County.
We’d like to thank Congressman Adrian Smith for coming to and speaking with the Government Affairs Committee. We appreciated the opportunity to hear from him and to be able to voice the concerns of our members and our community. A member of the Staff of Nebraska’s 3rd District will be present on behalf of Congressman Adrian Smith to host a Mobile Office on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce. For details, contact Congressman Smith’s Grand Island office at (308) 384-3900 or visit AdrianSmith.House.Gov.
The newsletter is sent to every Chamber Member business every month, many of which put the newsletter on display for their customers to read. If you’re interested in hearing about advertising opportunities, let us know! 402-223-2338 info@beatricechamber.com
Government Affairs meets in the Carnegie Building Conference Room each Friday morning at 8:15 AM while legislation is in session. When available, we have a conference call with our representative, Senator Myron Dorn. This is a great opportunity for you to share with everyone the issues facing your business! For more information contact the Chamber at 402-223-2338.
Do you like the newsletter, but need to be able to read on the go? No problem!
Text “DIGITALNEWS” to 22828 This will get you signed up for alerts and a link when the monthly newsletter is ready, then you can read it wherever and however you choose from the comfort of your smartphone!
VOLUME XLIV, #2
Indian Creek Mall | 2205 N 6th St
402.228.4241 Member FDIC
PAGE 7
Calendar of events
Our members are welcome to be a part of any committee they might be interested in. Contact us to get involved!
Date
Event/Meeting
Time
Location
Mar 1st
Government Affairs Committee
8:15 AM
Carnegie Conference Room
Mar 4th
Chamber Radio Show
8:30 AM
KWBE Live 1450 AM
Mar 8th
Government Affairs Committee
8:15 AM
Carnegie Conference Room
Mar 11th
Leadership Beatrice Advisory
12:00 PM
Carnegie Conference Room
Mar 12th
Executive Board Meeting
8:30 AM
Carnegie Conference Room
Mar 13th
30.90 Progressive Lunch
11:30 AM
Classic’s Bar & Grill
Mar 14th
Ambassador’s Meeting
10:00 AM
Carnegie Conference Room
Mar 15th
Government Affairs Committee
8:15 AM
Carnegie Conference Room
Mar 15th
Ribbon Cutting
3:00 PM
American Legion
Mar 19th
Government Affairs Committee
8:15 AM
Carnegie Conference Room
Mar 19th
Board of Directors
12:00 PM
Carnegie Conference Room
Mar 19th
Tourism Advisory Committee Meeting
3:30 PM
Carnegie Conference Room
Mar 20th
Leadership Beatrice
8:00 AM
Health & Human Services Day
Mar 21st
Business After Hours
5:00 PM
First State Bank
Mar 28th
Holiday Lighted Parade Meeting
8:30 AM
Carnegie Conference Room
Mar 28th
Ambassador Meeting
10:00 AM
Carnegie Conference Room
Mar 28th
Ribbon Cuttings Tredz Central and Wood Trends, Inc.
10:30 AM
Cortland, NE
Mar 28th
Homestead Days® Committee
6:00 PM
Carnegie Conference Room
Mar 29th
Government Affairs Committee
8:15 AM
Carnegie Conference Room
The News (USPS 130-110) is published monthly for $30 per year by the Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce. Periodical Postage Paid/Beatrice, NE 68310. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Beatrice Area Chamber of Commerce, 218 N 5th Street, Beatrice, NE 68310.
Beatrice’s leading business organization serving Beatrice since 1920. Periodical postage paid at Beatrice, NE 68310.
218 N 5th, Beatrice, NE 68310 | 402-223-2338 | info@beatricechamber.com