Community Look Book

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GRAND ISLAND A publication of the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

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SERVING THE HEARTLAND SINCE 1948 NEBRASKA BORN. NEBRASKA GROWN. NEBRASKA OWNED.

“It’s reassuring to know your bank is one of the

safest banks

®

YOU’VE ARRIVED 4 Welcome

A letter from the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce President

6 Explore

Heartland hospitality meets urban flair

14 Educate

Discover your passion through lifelong learning

Mission: To improve the economic vitality and quality of life for the total community and area. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information and listings contained herein. The Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce assumes no liability for errors or omissions.

18 Attract

First class attractions and amenities for visitors of all ages

Five Points Bank is rated as one of the safest banks in the country. We’re locally owned and operated and are committed to the communities and people we serve.

24 Heal

Promoting a safe and healthy community

30 Develop

Creating new opportunities through business and industry

Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce 309 West Second Street Grand Island, NE 68801 308.382.9210 www.gichamber.com

© 2017 - Photos in this publication were used with permission from the Grand Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, Nebraska State Fair, Grand Island Little Theatre, Edith Abbott Memorial Library, Northwest Public Schools, Grand Island Central Catholic, Grand Island Public Schools, College Park, Doane University, Heartland Event Center, Heartland Hoops Classic, Downtown BID, CHI Health Saint Francis, Grand Island Physical Therapy, Cottonwood Dental, City of Grand Island, Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation, Grow Grand Island, and Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

in the country.”

Five Points Bank believes in making sure our customer’s banking is safe, sound and secure. That’s why we’re the technology leader... with the BEST Cash Management System for our business customers. The money our customers deposit with Five Points Bank is used to make loans in our community. Five Points Bank, The Better Bank thanks you for your support and we’re working everyday to take care of customers one person at a time and provide the BEST IN BANKING!

The Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce proudly represents the 825 businesses, organizations, and professional firms that drive the dynamic environment and quality of life, right here in this vibrant city in America’s heartland.

450,000 square feet of multi-purpose space 5 state-of-the-art buildings 1 world-class experience

Thriving cities require thriving businesses, and our Chamber takes a proactive approach to anticipating and meeting business needs - from business advocacy at every level, to workforce development, to business recruitment and retention. Our partners are the pulse of this community, so our professional staff and volunteer board of directors take their needs and suggestions seriously. We invite you to contact the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce to learn more about what makes this community tick. Stop by for a visit and chat with the businessmen and women in Grand Island. You’ll soon realize what we’ve known all along. Grand Island is a great place to live, work, and raise a family!

For more information, contact Joseph McDermott jmcdermott@statefair.org | 308-382-1685

>FORWARD

MOVING BUSINESS Cindy K. Johnson, President Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

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WELCOME

Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

309 West Second Street Grand Island, NE 308.382.9210 www.gichamber.com

gichamber.com

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Blending heartland hospitality with the best of urban centers Vibrant communities share common qualities. They have a steady growth in population, diverse employment opportunities, host a wide array of popular stores and restaurants, and offer excellent schools and healthcare. Neighborhoods are warm and welcoming; opportunities to make friends and enjoy leisure time abound. These are just of the few of the characteristics that describe the progressive and friendly nature of Grand Island. In fact, whether you are a first time visitor or have lived here all your life, you are likely to agree that when it comes to finding what you want, we have it all in Grand Island!

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EXPLORE

Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

Our location makes the difference Located in the heart of Nebraska along Interstate 80, Grand Island has grown to become the largest city between Lincoln and Denver. With over 50,000 city residents, its positive business climate and easy lifestyle has become a draw for visitors, new residents, and businesses looking to succeed.

Location has also played a strong role in establishing Grand Island as a regional shopping hub for central Nebraska. Thanks to a thriving Highway 281 and Webb Road corridor, a growing number of shopping malls, major local and national retailers, restaurant chains, and professional offices are located here. The South Locust Street corridor is easy to access from the interstate and is home to Grand Island’s world class livestock facilities, the Heartland Event Center, and Community Fieldhouse. While Grand Island has a wealth of big city amenities, the beauty of the Platte River and rolling Nebraska Sandhills are just a few miles away. Hunting and water sport opportunities are plentiful, making this area a dream come true for nature lovers and outdoorsmen. When the Great Outdoors beckons, you are never far from places to camp, boat, canoe, kayak, or sit back and enjoy the splendor of the Nebraska plains. gichamber.com

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Witness one of the greastest wildlife phenomena in North America through a

It Just Fits Hwy. 281 & 13th Street Grand Island • 308-382-4210 www.shopconestogamall.com #conestogamallgi

In Grand Island, you’ll ďŹ nd a level of friendliness and community spirit that’s truly contagious and which convinces new residents to make it their lifelong home.

Grand Island has invested in a wide array of quality private and public recreational facilities to match most every interest.

The opportunities to get involved and create new friendships are limitless. You will ďŹ nd a wide range of community service groups and clubs for those with shared interests, churches of every denomination, and an active Chamber of Commerce that promotes professional and personal development as well as business growth.

Island Oasis Water Park is six-and-a-half acres of summer fun, with a 350 thousand gallon wave pool, 750-foot lazy river, two six-story high-speed water slides, four 150-foot slides, and children’s play area.

You can also choose from a host of classes for dance, martial arts, aerobics, gymnastics, and more through Grand Island’s Department of Parks and Recreation, YMCA, YWCA, and other community organizations.

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Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

• • • •

Overnight lodging in elegant cottages Meals and beverages Guided VIP excursions and/or tours Morning and evening visits to VIP Viewing Blind 9325 S Alda Rd., Wood River, NE 68883 CraneTrust.org | 308.382.1820

Welcome to the Community • Conveniently located • Quiet neighborhood • Large, open oor plan • Private Patio/deck • Gourmet-style kitchen • Playground and open grass area • Garages for rent

The Kids’ Kingdom public fun center at Stolley Park offers enough climbing ropes, mazes, obstacle courses, ďŹ re poles, and more to keep youngsters busy for hours. The Stolley Park Railroad is the only life-size, gardenscale railroad in Central Nebraska. It provides rides through Stolley Park and is the perfect way to enjoy a summer afternoon or evening.

VIP Crane Viewing Experience

Autumn Park Apartments

Contact Ronda Price Today 308.389.3331 | rprice@mtimm.com

gichamber.com

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With options as varied as the Nebraska weather, sports enthusiasts will never lack for something to do. The list includes tennis and racquetball courts, softball and soccer fields, shooting parks, bowling alleys, a roller-skating rink, and more. Here are a few highlights: Grand Island’s 80-acre Veterans Athletic Field Complex has four lighted softball and soccer fields, with plans underway for expansion. This complex hosts over 5,000 baseball and softball players each year. Our 70,000 square foot Community Fieldhouse features a portable synthetic turf floor, an indoor playground, and a sports floor for soccer, flag football, volleyball, basketball, and baseball.

“

As a parent with an active family, quality parks and trail systems are very important to me. My children essentially learned to ride their bikes on the trail system, and I myself, grew up spending lots of time in all of our city parks. As we prioritize our finances within a budget, I certainly want to make sure that there are always dollars available – at some level – to continue offering these same options to the next generation.

Jeremy Jensen Mayor of Grand Island

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Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

Golfers will be pleased to discover four public and private courses, including Jackrabbit Run, an 18-hole public course selected as one of the top public golf courses in the midlands by the Omaha World Herald. Fitness enthusiasts will enjoy 15 miles of offstreet recreation trails running throughout the city. A 25-mile trail extension to scenic rural areas is also being planned. And when you just want to enjoy some good old-fashioned outdoor fun, Grand Island’s many parks offer picnic areas, bandstands, sledding areas, frisbee golf courses, and horseshoe courts.

enjoying an active cultural scene There’s no need to drive far and wide for a night on the town, to show off your artistic side, or to enjoy a little bit of culture. Grand Island’s art shows and galleries showcase the works of talented Nebraska artists. Art in the Park, held each year in July in shady Stolley Park, is a can’t-miss event, featuring works in every medium from regional artists. The Grand Island Little Theatre (GILT) delights audiences with a lively assortment of productions featuring local talent, at the Hornady-Marshall Theater at College Park. Their summer program, GILT Jr., is a week-long theatre camp for students that teaches kids about all aspects of theatre and culminates in a final performance for a live audience. Residents and visitors enjoy frequent live performances by professional musicians or entertainers scheduled by the Grand Island Concert Association. All concerts are presented in the Grand Island Senior High School Auditorium. Movie buffs will appreciate the numerous theaters in Grand Island. The historic Grand Theatre shows second-run films, and often hosts live music, speakers and comedians. This art-deco style theatre is operated by a non-profit organization dedicated to its preservation. Grand Island residents find the information they need at the Edith Abbott Memorial Library. With well over 100,000 volumes, this truly vibrant facility offers a spacious children’s section, meeting rooms, and cutting-edge technologies.

gichamber.com

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FDIC

NEBRASKA MEDICINE – INTERNAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATES specializes in adult general wellness and health care. And, because we are part of the Nebraska Medicine family of clinics, should the need arise you will have access to the number one hospital in the state with nationally known specialists dedicated to helping you get better when you need it.

OPEN EARLY Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Physician and Laboratory appointments available.

Call for an appointment today.

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Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

888.356.4302 | 308.382.9266 | NebraskaMed.com/IMA 729 North Custer Avenue, Grand Island, NE

INTERNAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATES

Making an impact through lifelong learning Whether you are looking for a quality school system that’s just right for your children or seeking ways to pursue an advanced degree, Grand Island offers excellent educational opportunities. Strong community support has resulted in an excellent pre-kindergarten through 12th grade public education program offered by Grand Island Public Schools. Operating under the mission, “Every Student, Every Day, a Success,” the Grand Island Public School district employs approximately 1,500 people and serves a diverse body of approximately 9,700 students.

EDUCATE

16 Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

More than 60 percent of the school district’s teachers have earned a master’s degree. Teachers are thoroughly trained in student assessment to measure academic progress and compliance with state and national standards. High-quality instruction and programs are available for students at every level and ability, including special needs and high-ability learners.

The region is also served by Northwest Public Schools. Northwest Public Schools includes three K-8 schools, one K-5 school, a preschool, and a high school, which is located in the northwestern part of town. The Northwest schools serve over 1,400 students; approximately 750 students attend the high school. The school system provides a broad curriculum for all age students in a setting that is large enough to offer a wide range of opportunities, yet small enough to maintain a personal touch. Grand Island is also well served by two private middle and/or high schools, and four private elementary schools. • Central Catholic Schools welcome all faiths, and weave faith and spirituality into the daily curriculum. • Heartland Lutheran High School uses a Christcentered education to prepare students for service to His Church and the world.

gichamber.com

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Doane University Doane University offers eight undergraduate and two graduate degrees in Grand Island. Courses, advising, and all student support services are available at the Grand Island campus in the College Park building. Doane programs are largely designed for students who are balancing work and family while earning a college degree. Both classroom and on-line courses are available. Bellevue University

Central Community College Central Community College is a two-year college serving 25 area counties in central Nebraska.

The Grand Island Campus provides education in electrical technology, welding and related topics for students interested in these career fields. College Park

The Grand Island Campus offers career and technical programs leading to some of today’s hottest careers in business, health care, information technology, communications, and skilled and technical sciences. The campus also offers a full array of courses for students to earn an associate of applied science degree, diploma or certificate as well as academic transfer degrees for students wishing to transfer to a four year college Central Community College offers select degrees online credit courses to qualified high schools through the Early College program.

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Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

College Park is a multifunction facility providing classroom and performing space for classes and programs offered by a wide consortium of educational and arts organizations. Offerings include associate degree programs from Central Community College, undergraduate and graduate level classes from Doane University, and community outreach and continuing education programs from the University of NebraskaLincoln Extension Office, Central Nebraska Area Health Education Centers (CNAHEC), and Grand Island Little Theatre (GILT).

For more than fifty years, Bellevue University has been meeting the needs of central Nebraska’s adult students with flexible class schedules and innovative, career-relevant degree programs that help students earn credit through partnerships with community colleges. By offering online accelerated and traditional classes, as well as in-class options, students can learn when their schedule allows. Bellevue University, a fully accredited institution, is award winning in online learning and offers bachelor and master degree programs respected by employers

“

Having post-secondary education options available right here in Grand Island is invaluable for both companies and their employees.

Curt Vodehnal Bellevue University Grand Island’s adult education opportunities don’t stop there: • Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center • Joseph’s College of Beauty • Xenon International School of Hair Design, Inc. gichamber.com

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Invest in Your Future!

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308 N. Locust St., Grand Island, NE 68801 +1 800 994 0016 | www.amuref.com

Leadership Tomorrow identifies and educates proven and

Healthy People, Healthy Community!

potential leaders who are committed to developing and utilizing positive leadership skills to improve our community.

GRAND ISLAND | HALL COUNTY

Dedicated to building our community. TO APPLY, VISIT: www.LEADERSHIPTOMORROW.com 20

Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

Call or visit our website to learn more about our programs! Campuses:

Community Health Low-cost or no-cost vaccinations & most major insurances accepted Disease monitoring and community education Environmental Services Restaurant, childcare, well and septic inspections Water testing lab Mosquito monitoring and control Emergency Response Coordination Community Health Workers Build bridges between dierent cultures and healthcare Provide education and connect with services Healthy Lifestyle Programs Health related programs and education Worksite wellness support Walking and trail access programs WIC Assistance for families with infants and young children Breastfeeding support and guidance Nutrition education

1137 S Locust, Grand Island, NE 68801 (308) 385-5175

Columbus 402-564-7132 Grand Island 308-398-4222 Hastings 402-463-9811

1-877-222-0780 z www.cccneb.edu Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution

Invested in YOU!

Centers: Holdrege 308-995-8133 Kearney 308-338-4000 Lexington 308-324-8480

PROMOTING TOURISM THROUGH FIRST CLASS ATTRACTIONS AND aMENITIES Tourism is Nebraska’s third largest industry, and Grand Island is home to some of the state’s finest attractions. Regardless of whether you’re into arts and culture, sports, or the natural beauty of the Platte River valley, we’ll exceed your expectations in Grand Island. Over 875,000 square feet of meeting, event and exhibit space, and nearly 2,000 hotel rooms, mean no other city between Lincoln and Denver can offer the size and caliber of facilities as those in Grand Island.

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ATTRACT

Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

Grand Island is proud to be the host community for the Nebraska State Fair. More than 330,000 people attend the Fair annually. As Nebraska’s largest entertainment event with concerts, strolling acts, fair food, shopping and the carnival midway, the Nebraska State Fair is fun for the entire family. Exhibitors from 4-H, FFA and Open Class participate in various competitions, including livestock and equine. The Nebraska State Fair is held at Fonner Park in late August.

The Heartland Events Center, located at Fonner Park, is the perfect location for conventions, trade shows, athletic and sporting events, concerts and more. The arena comfortably seats 6,000-7,500 people and is surrounded by breakout rooms, locker rooms and dressing rooms with the technical equipment necessary for sporting events and tournaments. The Bosselman Conference Center offers a professional setting for business and educational meetings, training and conferences, large banquets, and organizational functions. State-of-the-art audio and video equipment and professional catering services provide the amenities necessary to host a successful event.

gichamber.com

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Fonner Park Racing Each year, thousands of fans come to Fonner Park for the live thoroughbred horse races which run from late February through early May. The jewel of the racing season is the $75,000 Bosselman/Gus Fonner Stakes in April, which attracts horses and racing fans from across the country. Year-round races are simulcast from all major race tracks. The Nebraska Racing Hall of Fame and the VanBerg Family Racing Collection are also housed at Fonner Park. The Thompson 4-H Horse Arena (indoor and outdoor) along with 15 barns allows for horse shows in the race off-season. Seasonal fullservice recreational vehicle parking is also available.

Your Ticket To Entertainment!

Crane Trust Nature and Visitors Center Located just 20 minutes from Grand Island at Interstate 80, Exit 305, the Crane Trust Nature and Visitor Center is a primary stop for travelers who come from around the world to experience the natural beauty of Nebraska’s Platte River Valley, including the Great Sandhill Crane Migration each spring. The Visitor Center is home to miles of hiking trails along the Platte River, an observation tower, live bison herd, beautiful art gallery, gift shop, and premier meeting facilities. This lush stopover sits on thousands of acres of wetland meadows and grassland prairie, with year-round viewing of native plants and wildlife.

Heartland Public Shooting Park Located west of Grand Island, the 420-acre Heartland Public Shooting Park is a shooting-enthusiast’s paradise. It offers sporting clays, trap and skeet shooting, a rifle and pistol shooting facility, plus an archery range and seven-acre lake. National events such as Super Retriever Series Trials and the 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational Championships have been held here. Camping sites are also available. Future plans include 25 miles of equestrian and pedestrian trails.

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Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

700 East Stolley Park Road Grand Island, NE | 308.382.4515 www.heartlandeventscenter.com www.fonnerpark.com

Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer Praised as “one of the top 10 places to relive America’s past” by Good Housekeeping magazine and named “2016 Outstanding Tourism Attraction” by the Nebraska Tourism Commission, Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer is a world-class, nationally recognized educational and cultural living-history institution that tells the story of Nebraska’s early settlers. The museum spans 200 acres, and includes over sixty, 100-year-old buildings that have been carefully restored.

gRAND ISLAND’S UNIQUE EVENTS DRAW VISITORS FROM AFAR Grand Island is home to many annual special events that attract thousands of people from throughout the region. Here are but a few great reasons to head to Grand Island:

“

Grand Island has a rich history

Truly the gem of the prairie. You could visit a hundred times and still learn something new each visit. The summer classes for children are unmatched and give a great sense of pride and appreciation for the past. Their special events are wonderful-- from Vintage Game Night to their historical Christmas Past tour, it’s an amazing place to learn and “feel” the history of our area. No matter the season, Stuhr Museum has something unique and wonderful to offer.

Sherma Jones Stuhr Museum Visitor 26

Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

In 1857, German settlers left Iowa and headed west to Nebraska to start a new settlement on an island known by French traders as La Grande Isle. By the summer of 1868, the Union Pacific railroad extended to Grand Island, and it had a big impact on the growth and prosperity of Grand Island. The city boomed in the 1880s and survived a devastating recession in the 1890s. The arrival of the Lincoln highway in 1916 furthered tourism, commerce and development. Today, Grand Island is a thriving metropolitan city. Grand Island is Nebraska’s fourth largest city, birthplace of actor Henry Fonda, three time All-American City (1955, 1967, and 1981), and 1997 Outstanding Nebraska Community. World Trade Magazine ranked Grand Island 9th in the Top 10 List of Smaller Communities with an excellent quality of life.

Dedicated to the farmers and ranchers of the Great Plains and western Corn Belt, Husker Harvest Days is an annual outdoor farm show featuring over 80 acres of exhibits and 700 acres of field demonstrations. Billed as the “World’s Largest Totally Irrigated Working Farm Show,” over 100,000 visitors come to this three-day event held each September, that showcases the latest in agricultural equipment and technology. Recognized by the “Guinness Book of Records” for hosting the most marching bands, the Harvest of Harmony Parade takes place every year on the first Saturday of October. Nebraska’s largest parade attracts approximately 100 high school bands and 80 floats for a parade competition downtown, and a field show competition at Grand Island Senior High School.

The Heartland Hoops Classic is a unique tournament-like event featuring high school basketball teams of different classes in one setting. This annual event is held in February, prior to district play, at the Heartland Events Center. It is the only event of its type in the state. In 2017, Grand Island added two major attractions to their calendar. Rodeo Grand Island takes place in March at the Heartland Event Center and is a nationally televised event that features the biggest names in rodeo and bull riding. The Aksarben Stock Show, the nation’s largest 4-H livestock show, also calls Grand Island home, and it draws thousands of 4-H youth, families, and supporters from across the country. They will make use of the nearly 500,000 square feet of state-of-the-art exhibition, livestock and equine facilities at Fonner Park. The Aksarben Stock Show takes place in late September.

gichamber.com

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VisitGrandIsland.com

Grand Island’s downtown has gone through a transformitive process in the last 10 years. What once was an underutilized part of the community is quickly becoming one of the hottest places to eat, shop, and gather. Branded “Railside” in 2015, the award-winning downtown area is attracting the eye of developers and entertainers alike. From St. Patrick’s Day drinks at McKinney’s Irish Pub to Downtown Christmas to free popcorn on Third Thursday, there is fun to be had all year round. Hear Grand Island is a free summer concert series located in Railside Plaza that runs from early June to late August and features indie bands from across Nebraska.

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Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

The development is just getting started downtown. Several buildings are currently undergoing renovation into upscale apartments and lofts or into community office and workshop space. These new developments continue to bring new life and businesses to the downtown area. The addition of businesses such as Prairie Pride Brewery, GIX Logistics, the Happy Brush, Kindred, the Chocolate Bar, Studio K Art Gallery, Helium and Kinkaider Brewing (just to name a few) have made Railside a true destination spot in Grand Island.

Join us for Nebraska’s largest entertainment event. The Nebraska State Fair — the last week in August. With family focused fun around every corner, come see what everyone’s talking about.

The Food. The Fun. The Fair.

StateFair.org gichamber.com

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protecting the health and safety of our community

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Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

HEAL

With two hospitals, approximately 100 physicians and a wide variety of specialists, Grand Island is a leading center for healthcare services in central Nebraska.

community of more than 100 physicians continue to advance medical treatment available in the region.

Grand Island is home to two hospitals, Saint Francis Medical Center, and the U.S. Veterans Administration Medical Center. The community also has a wide variety of medical clinics, numerous nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and dental, optical, and chiropractic offices. The Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Services and Midwest Medical Transport provide 24-hour emergency medical care and transport. LifeTeam offers air transport to patients with a medical or surgical emergency needing advanced care provided by a trauma center, a cardiac cath lab, or a stroke team.

The Saint Francis Cancer Treatment Center offers medical and radiation treatment in one convenient location. The award-winning cancer program diagnoses and treats nearly 600 new cancer patients each year.

Founded in 1887, Saint Francis Medical Center has provided quality medical care for more than 125 years. Today, Saint Francis serves patients from central Nebraska and northern Kansas, offering sophisticated medical diagnosis and treatment typically found in large urban centers. Saint Francis and the ever-growing Grand Island medical

Grand Island Surgery Group, LLC is a joint venture between a group of Grand Island physicians and Saint Francis Medical Center. This facility is equipped with the latest technology and features four operating rooms and two rooms designed for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. Accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, the Center earns a 98 percent patient satisfactory rating. The Veteran’s Administration Medical Center is a Federal facility with nursing home care beds and residential substance abuse beds. Saint Francis Medical Center provides medical and intensive care inpatient services, and specialty care is provided at the veteran’s facility in Omaha. gichamber.com

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Making safety a top priority Grand Island goes the extra mile to ensure this community is a safe place to live. The Grand Island Police Department provides municipal police services, including patrol, emergency response, criminal investigation and apprehension, crime prevention, and community-based programs. The Grand Island Fire Department has a long history of commitment to the community through emergency service, ďŹ re prevention, and safety education. Four strategically placed ďŹ re stations in Grand Island enable ďŹ reďŹ ghters and/or paramedics to respond in an average of ďŹ ve minutes anywhere in the city. CertiďŹ ed staff members include ďŹ reďŹ ghters, paramedics, and administrative and support staff members. All ďŹ reďŹ ghters are trained as Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and a paramedic is always on duty at each of the four stations.

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Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

“

Public safety agencies in Grand Island and Hall County work tirelessly towards improving our timely and professional response to every emergency. Our law enforcement, ďŹ re, emergency medical and 911 professionals are well prepared to meet the needs of all emergencies, both large and small.

Jon Rosenlund

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Director of Emergency Management Enjoying a busy and happy retirement Grand Island has a wide variety of retirement resident options, including independent apartments, assisted living, and skilled care facilities for those needing more personal and medical assistance. With a wide variety of choices, there’s bound to be one to match your unique needs and interests.

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Providing services also in Kearney, Hastings, York, Holdrege & Minden

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My inspiration

If you want a “REALTOR who will

Ron Faber, Morrison Cancer Center patient & Kara Faber, Family Care Center patient

work WITH you and FOR you, call me today!�

Shortly after Ron and Kara Faber were married, Ron was diagnosed with cancer, a type that made planning a family difficult.

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But, Ron said, the excellent, caring treatment he received at the Morrison Cancer Center helped the Fabers embrace the future. Then, when Kara discovered she was pregnant, Mary Lanning was the first and only choice for the birth of their son.

Tracy Babcock

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CULLIGAN OF GRAND ISLAND

Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

715 N. St. Joseph Avenue I Hastings, NE 68901 402-463-4521 I www.marylanning.org

To learn about our Grand Island services, please call 308-398-0990 or visit www.marylanning.org.

Your care. Our inspiration.

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building opportunities through business and industry Our business community and civic leaders are busy paving the way to new opportunities for the future, and entrepreneurs will find everything they need – right here in Grand Island. Doing business the right way Grand Island is the county seat of Hall County. Its commercial center enjoys a population of approximately 104,000, and a workforce of 54,000, who live within an easy 30-minute commute of the city. This area is known for its low unemployment rate, high labor productivity, and low absenteeism and turnover rates.

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DEVELOP

Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

Agriculture, manufacturing and tourism comprise Grand Island’s top three industries. Over 100 manufacturing plants provide jobs for more than 7,000 area residents. As one of the highest per-capita retail centers in the state, shoppers travel to Grand Island from over 200 miles away. • A high number of underemployed workers provide a tremendous pool of prospective employees for local and new business endeavors.

• Nebraska is a Right-to-Work state, which gives employees the freedom to decide whether or not to join or support a union. • Our excellent work ethic, combined with Grand Island’s low cost of living, is attractive to businesses seeking to relocate. • The Nebraska Workforce Development offers programs that match job seekers to job openings, and help business compete in a changing marketplace. To further enhance the area’s workforce, leaders from Grand Island Public Schools, Central Community College, Chamber of Commerce, and the Economic Development Corporation, along with private businesses, have collaborated on the development of the Career Pathways Institute -- a cutting-edge, 21st Century Learning experience for area high school students who are interested in technical or industrial careers that require a high level of specialized training. This project is the result of an increased demand by Grand Island’s existing and prospective businesses for a larger skilled workforce in some of the area’s fastest growing careers. gichamber.com

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Moving Products and People Grand Island is a thoroughfare for Union PaciďŹ c and Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroads as well as the Nebraska Central Railroad diesel eet. Over 140 trains can pass through the city in a 24-hour period. Grand Island is also conveniently located close to Interstate 80, one of the country’s main east/west arteries, as well as U.S. Highways 281, 30 and 34, and State Highway 2. The 124th Air Cavalry Squadron’s Chinook Helicopter Base is located just east of the airport and serves 230+ cavalry and aviation maintenance Nebraska Army National Guard soldiers.

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Grand Island - At a glance As air service continues to grow, so do the opportunities for business. The airport serves as a catalyst for business commerce. An economic impact study of the airport showed a correlation between the growth of the airport and the growth of the community. The economic impact of the airport is over $150 million per year.

Michael Olson Executive Director Central Nebraska Regional Airport

Grand Island is ranked as the 19th fastest growing metropolitan area in it’s peer group of the 81 smallest metropolitan areas in the United States.

Grand Island Population: 51,440 Hall County Population: 61,680 Unemployment rate - 3.5% Median Household Income - $46,192 Home Ownership - 60% 16% Bachelor’s degree or higher 80% High School diploma

Central Nebraska Regional Airport offers twice-weekly nonstop service to Las Vegas and Phoenix-Mesa on Allegiant, and American Airlines offers convenient connections from Dallas Forth Worth to all parts of the world with just one stop. A new airport terminal was completed in 2016, and it is one of the most advanced and energy-efďŹ cient airport terminal designs in use today. About 140,000 travellers utilized the Central Nebraska Regional Airport in 2016.

Grand Island’s Largest Employers 1. JBS Swift - 3,300 employees 2. Saint Francis Medical Center - 1,300 employees 3. Grand Island Public Schools - 1,370 employees 4. Chief Industries - 1,000 employees 5. Hornady Manufacturing - 750 employees 6. Case New Holland - 700 employees 7. City of Grand Island - 496 employees 8. McCain Foods - 420 employees 9. Principal Financial Group - 425 employees 10. Bosselman Enterprises - 391 employees

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Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

gichamber.com

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strengthening the community through leadership

Attractive Economic Development Incentives

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Residents of Grand Island have demonstrated their commitment to community growth by approving an aggressive economic development program. The Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act, more commonly known as LB840, is managed by the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation (GIAEDC).

Incentive programs such as LB840 and Tax Increment Financing (TIF), the abundance of pad-ready industrial site space, an aggressive community marketing plan, and a strong partnership with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development help set Grand Island apart from the competition.

The GIAEDC can offer prospective businesses three industrial park site options; Platte Valley Industrial Park (PVIP) and Platte Valley Industrial Park-East (PVIP-E), located near Interstate 80 on the Highway 281 corridor, and Cornhusker Industrial Park (CIP), located on the western edge of the community. All three options offer prime proximity to Interstate 80; U.S. Highways 281, 30, and 34; and State Highway 2 and are ideal for industrial, manufacturing, commercial, and logistic operations. PVIP and PVIP-E are fully equipped with on-site infrastructure including water, waste water, electricity, ďŹ ber optics, and paved roads.

Together, the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation strive to advance and improve the economic, social and political environments of the area so that balanced economic growth may be realized. In short, if you are interested in expanding or locating your business in Grand Island, community leaders will go the extra mile to help make that happen.

Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

With the construction of the Nebraska State Fair facilities at Fonner Park, livestock and agricultural shows have emerged as a strong target market for central Nebraska. From the larger Junior National Hereford Show to the Aksarben Stock Show, events Grand Island could not previously host are now held at the livestock buildings at Fonner Park. To ensure these facilities are marketed in a coordinated, comprehensive fashion, representatives of the Nebraska State Fair, Fonner Park, Chamber of Commerce, and Convention and Visitors Bureau have formed the Grand Island Livestock Complex Authority (GILCA). GILCA representatives collaborate to promote these facilities and communicate the economic impact associated with the national shows. A Grander Vision for the Heartland From this partnership, grew a desire to develop and promote the community as a whole. With the input of thousands, Grand Island and Hall County have formulated a strategy, Grow Grand Island, to enhance its

economic improvement and business development efforts.

Grow Grand Island is a collaborative, regional, existing business retention and expansion program for the community. The success of these efforts rests on the fact that, rather than rely on a singular organization or elected governing body to decide what is best for the community, residents, business leaders, and community leaders all had an opportunity to submit their own ideas on how to improve and market their community. Thousands of face-to-face interviews and surveys were conducted and a tremendous amount of valuable information and feedback was collected. Grow Grand Island is working with a network of partners to provide a variety of support in areas such as workforce development, international trade, entrepreneurship and enhanced educational opportunities. gichamber.com

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The Grow Grand Island Business Development Strategy will be laddered in. New initiatives will be tackled as others are completed. This ďŹ ve-year plan is a holistic approach to business development and one that builds and maintains a focus on ďŹ ve pillars: Existing Businesses, Entrepreneurs, Image, Workforce, and Community Assets. Intersecting these ďŹ ve pillars is the glue that holds the community’s pillars together creating collaborative, cooperative, and effective partnerships.

Great people. Better opportunities. New business attraction and local business expansion for the Grand Island area.

○ The right incentives. ○ The right location. ○ The right choice. 308-381-7500 • GrandIsland.org

• Existing Businesses: Maintain a business climate that supports the growth of existing businesses in Grand Island. • Entrepreneurs: Provide entrepreneurs with necessary assistance and nurture an entrepreneurial culture. • Image: Enhance the community’s image and marketing activities to support business and talent attraction. • Workforce: Promote workforce sustainability through educational attainment and skills acquisition that align with employer needs. • Community Assets: Develop and enhance community assets that appeal to existing and prospective new businesses and employees.

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J.W. Hornady 1907-1981

Grow Grand Island cultivates bold ideas that create business and quality of life opportunities in our region through planning, partnering, and doing. Grand Island has a reputation as a “Can Do� community. Consider joining the Grow Grand Island movement and contribute to making Grand Island an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

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Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

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We hope you have enjoyed this tour of our community, and we encourage you to contact the organizations listed below for more information:

For the community that believes in itself, there’s a bank that does, too.

Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce 309 West Second Street Grand Island, NE 68801 308-382-9210

Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation www.grandisland.org 308-381-7500 or toll free: 800-658-4283

U.S. Bank is proud WR VXSSRUW the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce. Visit one of our convenient Grand Island locations!

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Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC. Š2017 U.S. Bank. 170488C 3/17

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NEW HEIGHTS IN APARTMENT LIVING

(308) 384-4414 3721 West Capital Avenue | Grand Island www.thesterlingapt.com

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Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

City of Grand Island www.grand-island.com 308-385-5444 Nebraska Workforce Development www.nebraskaworkforce.com 308-385-6300

Hall County Convention and Visitors Bureau www.visitgrandisland.com 308-382-4400 or toll free: 800-658-3178

thank you to our advertisers! Ace Hardware ............................................... 20 American Family - Kristy Cavanaugh ..................... 46 Amur Equipment Finance .................................. 20 Associated StafďŹ ng.......................................... 34 Autumn Park Apartments .................................. 11 Bosselman Enterprises .......................................3 Business Telecommunication Systems ................... 35 CHI Health Saint Francis ................................... 33 Central Community College ............................... 21 Central District Health Department...................... 20 Century 21 - Tracy Babcock ............................... 34 Conestoga Mall .............................................. 11 CopyCat Printing & Signs................................... 14 Crane Trust ................................................... 11 Culligan ....................................................... 35 Doane University ..............................................2 Eakes OfďŹ ce Solutions ...................................... 46 Equitable Bank .............................................. 11 FairďŹ eld Inn/Candlewood Suites.......................... 46 First National Bank ......................................... 47 Five Points Bank ...............................................5 Fonner Park .................................................. 25

Global Industries ............................................ 39 Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce ................7 Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation .... 43 Grand Island Convention and Visitors Bureau .......... 29 Grand Island Livestock Complex Authority ................7 Grand Island Public Schools ............................... 48 Great Western Bank ........................................ 34 Hall County Leadership Tomorrow........................ 20 Hamilton Telecommunications ............................ 14 Home Federal Bank ......................................... 14 Hornady Manufacturing .................................... 43 Mary Lanning Healthcare .................................. 35 McCain Foods ................................................ 43 Mosaic ........................................................ 34 Nebraska Medicine .......................................... 15 Nebraska Peterbilt .......................................... 44 Nebraska State Fair ......................................... 29 Stuhr Museum................................................ 29 The Sterling Apartments ................................... 44 US Bank ....................................................... 44 Woods Bros. Realty ......................................... 44

Contact Us 43

gichamber.com

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Your business’s potential, realized. From your first day of business to your first expansion, our experienced lending professionals can help your business thrive. We’ll focus on your needs and develop solutions that work for you – that’s how we became one of the top SBA lenders in the state. To get started, talk to an SBA lending specialist today. 859 Allen Drive | Grand Island, NE | P: 308.381.7000

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FULLY EQUPPED KITCHENS IN EVERY ROOM

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HOTELS OWNED AND OPERATED BY YOUNES H

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805 Allen Drive | Grand Island, NE | P: 308.381.8980

Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce

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