CHERRY COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
The Cherry County Convention Center
We are half way from anywhere and in the middle of nowhere … Perfect!
Cherry County is a place like no other, with a diverse range of opportunities to delight any of its visitors. We want to provide a space to gather for events, and believe that we are sought after for our unique offerings, attractions and hospitality. We are in the middle of nowhere, but still in the center of it all, making it a perfect half way point for many to come together from across the region. Groups are looking for a place to host and wow their attendees during their events. Cherry County will do that, and this facility will provide the much needed gathering space for both residents and it’s visitors.
MARCH 2025-NOVEMBER 2025
Fundraise
JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2026 Bidding & contract negotiations
2026
OCTOBER 2025-DECEMBER 2025
Complete building documents
JULY
2027
The building would open
JULY 2026
Construction to begin
The Role of Cherry County Tourism is to serve as a catalyst for tourism development and promotion. The goal is to be a proactive leader among community organizations and help create a collaborative solution to identify and market the best Cherry County and its heritage to visitors.
Cherry County Tourism has pledged (1.5 M) a portion of lodging tax dollars to the endeavor to see it off the ground. Mid-Plains Community College is providing the location, architect and numerous other resources to help Cherry County Tourism develop this long awaited vision. MPCC will provide the staff to oversee operations and maintain the Convention Center and it’s expenses moving forward.
Projected Outcomes
Bring people to the center for events and give them an opportunity to explore and take part in the many historical and recreational opportunities.
Improve quality of life and thus drive tourism within our community.
Cherry County Tourism has identified at least sixty-three different events that could utilize the proposed space if it was available. A few of those items listed are a Nebraska Tourism Conference, an Eco-Tourism Summit. golf conferences, Nebraska Cattlemen meetings, Arts Council performances, Concerts, National Walleye Association Tournament. pickle ball league, corn-hole tournaments, Grazing Land Conference and bus tours. Having a space that can easily host larger groups like these is essential to not only tourism, but driving our local economy and fostering a larger sense of community in Cherry County by having a space that can better house our local events as well.
Mid-Plains Community College PROPOSED CONVENTION CENTER -OPTION 4 Project Number: 2458
Cherry County Tourism’s goal is to have a space specifically designed to meet the expectations of our community and visitors. This facility was designed to maximize space while meeting the current and future needs envisioned by Cherry County Tourism.
14,919 SF
Regina Osburn | Cherry County Tourism Director
PO Box 687
239 S Main Street Valentine, NE 69201
800-658-4024
tourism@cherrycountyne.com
Board Members
Rich Mercure | Chair
Anne Clark | Vice Chair
Greg Nollette
Sara Ferguson
Kim Epke
Mid-Plains Community College
Mike Steele | Vice President Administrative Services
308-535-3620
Haven Smith | Director of Institutional Advancement 308-535-3754
Mid-Plains Community College does not discriminate based upon any protected status. Please see http://www.mpcc.edu/about/non-discrimination-policy.php
