2020
Annual Report
Sales Tax Loan Pool Surpases $5.8 Million Without exception, Valley County residents, businesses, organizations and public entities have a long track record of investing in the people that call this place home. These investments take on many forms: youth entrepreneurship and leadership, healthcare, education, and amenities that provide recreation opportunities. Since 2003, the City of Ord and Valley County Economic Development have led the charge of entrepreneurial investment, primarily in the form of low-interest loans to small and medium sized businesses throughout Valley County. In 2020, the Ord City Council approved its sixty-sixth sales tax loan, which accounts for over $5.8 million that has been loaned to businesses throughout Valley County, leveraging an additional $12.5 million in private capital investment. Although not always the case, these loans have often been for projects that may not have come to fruition without the much-needed gap financing. Loans have varied in scale, the smallest being $2,500 and the largest $625,000. The average loan is just over $89,000.
special facade improvement loan pools available for building owners at 0% interest. First approved in 2002, the program was overwhelmingly reapproved for an additional fifteen years by Ord voters in 2016. If you are a business owner considering an expansion or an aspiring business owner not sure how to embark on your entrepreneurial venture, please give the VCED office a call at (308) 728-7875. From business planning, identifying sites or buildings for your project, and identifying potential funding sources, Valley County Economic Development is here to help you take that next step.
Of the sixty-six loans made, 91% percent are still in business or have transitioned to new owners. According to the Small Business Association, thirty percent of new businesses fail during the first two years of being open, fifty percent during the first five years and sixty-six percent during the first ten. While the foundation of the voter-approved economic development program and associated sales tax are business loans, program funds are invested in a variety of other activities that provide an economic impact throughout Valley County. Funds have been invested in marketing, infrastructure necessary to recruit some of the area’s largest and highest paying employers and leveraged for grants to create
2020 Annual Report | Page 1 Valley County Economic Development
The transition of The Boardroom in Ord, purchased by Lannette Newquist, was facilitated with a sales tax loan.
Data as of 1/21/2021
Ord Locker Expansion Will Benefit Entire Region A new facility north of Ord along Highway 11 is not only serving our local agricultural industry and fulfilling local consumer needs, it is also drawing customers from across the state to Valley County. The Ord Lockers’ recent expansion has created efficiencies in their day-today operation and increased their capacity to serve their loyal customers. Ace VanDeWalle, one of the owners of the Ord Locker shares, “We nearly doubled our slaughter capacity from the old facility to the new facility in the first six months. When COVID hit, everyone panicked because here in Nebraska as well as the entire U.S. we learned our food supply chain has some weaknesses. We have been able to keep the majority of our current customers and producers with ample appointments and have shied away from taking appointments from new customers for the sole purpose of making sure we prioritize the customers that got us to where we are in the last five years. “ The business expansion also created quality job opportunities for local residents. Since May 2019 they have hired eight new employees who receive on-the-job training from Ace who has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Meat
Science, as well as former experience in the industry. His sister and co-owner, Ida VanDeWalle, also brings valuable experience from previously managing one of the most successful Hy-Vee delis company-wide. As their employees continue to increase their knowledge in this specialized field, they will continue to increase their capacity and attract more beef producers to the area for their services. Their investment in their business has led to positive financial outcomes as well. They expect gross sales to surpass third year projections within the first 12 months of operating in their new facility. They have also expanded their retail products which will continue to progress as supply chains regulate and their workforce efficiencies take hold. Valley County Economic Devleopment and the City of Ord helped facilitate the expansion project with a sales tax loan and other incentives. Our local economy was bolstered throughout the entire project from the utilization of local contractors to the creation of quality jobs and our region will certainly reap the benefits from whats to come from the Ord Locker’s offerings for consumers and ag producers.
2020 Annual Report | Page 2 Valley County Economic Development
Support For Loup Valley Childhood Initiative Addressing Local Child Care Needs Quality child care availability in any community is often an indicator and contributor to economic success. Having options and availability for child care can often be the deciding factor when it comes to a young professional relocating to a community. If quality child care is not available, working families may have to compromise their work life or relocate to communities that can meet this need. The availability of quality child care, or lack thereof, can have a drasitic impact on a community’s economy. According to a report conducted by the Univertsity of Nebraska-Lincoln, Bureau of Business Research, lack of child care costs Nebraskans $745 million per year. In April 2020, Valley County became one of many counties in the state to join Communities for Kids, a program initiated by the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation to address child care quality and capacity issues throughout the state. While the Valley County Community Foundation Fund was the catalyst for this initiative, VCED began working with LVCI in its infancy by providing in-kind support. Thanks to the support of VCED and other community stakeholders, the Loup Valley Childhood Initiative was formed and has since secured several grants to futher their efforts. The first act of LVCI was to identify the needs of Valley County’s child care community. A survey containing questions surrounding local child care was launched in September for anyone who lived or worked in Valley County. The conclusion of this survey confirmed that a lack of child care is affecting the county’s economy. According to the survey, almost 40% of businesses stated a lack of child care availability affected their ability to attain or retain employees and almost 60% stated lack of child care caused employees to be tardy, miss work or led to decreased productivity. These results show that local businesses view child care as an essential component to their growth. LVCI’s next steps include creating expansion opportunities for current child care providers in Valley County to solve capacity issues, either short-term or long-term. LVCI’s vision is a vibrant community that values quality early care as a path to economic prosperity by attracting more families, helping providers start and grow their businesses, providing quality local training and education, and supporting innovative child care solutions as a leader and partner in Nebraska.
Learn more about LVCI: Phone: 308-728-7875 Email: katiewalmsley@ordnebraska.com Facebook: LoupValleyChildhood Initiative
Housing Demand Being Addressed By Community Partners View the Valley County Housing Study online!
2020 Annual Report | Page 3 Valley County Economic Development
The availability of housing options is critical to meet the needs of our growing community and our regional economy. Adequate housing stock and oppotunities to build a home support the growth of local families and is an important component of recruiting qualified workforce for local businesses. Multiple partners have invested in housing opportunities over the past few years in the Rolling Hills Subdivision located on the west edge of Ord. Since breaking ground in 2010, New Neighborhoods Developer, Mesner Development and private individuals have constructed a total of 27 housing units (including six highly sought-after duplexes managed by Mesner Development). Spec home development in the subdivision included the option for free lots and down payment assistance for income-qualified buyers. These incentives spurred home ownership in a neighborhood that boasts exceptional views and a convenient location near community amenities. The remaining 16 lots in the 37-lot subdivision are available for purchase at market rate. Not only will home builders be joining an exceptional community, they will reap huge savings from the City of Ord’s investment in a completed infrastructure, including underground utilities and street paving. Those interested in building their dream home in the Rolling Hills Subdivision can contact the VCED office at (308) 728-7875.
Over the past year years, the City of Ord has also invested in the redevelopment of delipidated residential lots, contributing to infill within the city for additional housing options and a more productive use of real estate. In Arcadia, the Village Board and Arcadia Housing Committee celebreated the completion of a rental duplex located on Main Street in July 2020. The two units feature an open floorplan, one-car garage, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Local contractors assisted with the design and build and grant funds for the project were received from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development-Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Program. Those that would like to inquire about the duplex availability can contact the Arcadia Village Clerk at (308) 789-6552. There have been many accomplishments that help address local housing needs, however more work is yet to be done. In 2020, VCED spearheaded a county-wide housing study under the guidance of a nine-person Housing Steering Committee. The study was conducted by Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C. and will serve as a valuable tool for the continuation of Valley County’s housing initiatives. The study was funded by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority Housing Study Grant Program with matching funds from VCED and each Valley County City and Village.
2020BBUSINESS VISITATION PROGRAM 2020 usiness Visitation Program Each year, VCED conducts their Business Visitation Program to analyze the local business climate and gather needs of businesses throughout Valley County.
WE’RE
HIRING 14 of 15 surveyed businesses have open job positions
40%
import employees from other communities
53%
40% of surveyed businesses plan
had an increase in sales.
to expand or build a new facility within 5 years
60% of businesses project an increase in employement needs
Workforce Ratings Surveyed businesses were asked to rate the availability and quality of workforce in the area and rate their businesses workforce productivity
Availability 0%
Marketing Methods
27%
Surveyed businesses utilize the following strategies for marketing their business.
67% Quality
45%
20%
40%
60%
35% 30% 25%
20%
20%
53%
Productivity
15% 10% 5%
27% 7% High
Average
Low
0%
Word of Mouth
Trade shows
Radio Ads
Billboards
Social Media
2020 Annual Report | Page 4 Valley County Economic Development
THANK YOU TO OUR 2019-2020 VCED SPONSORS Our Mission: Encourage business retention and promote economic development while preserving the quality of life in Valley County, Nebraska.
PLATINUM
GOLD
SILVER Anderson Pharmacy Bank First Bruce & Marian Lammers GoodLife Health Services Griess Automotive JEO Consulting Group
NCTC Ord Locker Ord Memorial Chapel Wadas Inc. Wray Insurance Agency
2020 Annual Report | Page 5 Valley County Economic Development
BRONZE Arby’s Maschka’s Chuck Fuhrer Scratchtown Brewing Company Culligan of Broken Bow Shelter Insurance Hamilton Communications The Second Hand Rose Ken & Helen Kullers Springdale Title & Realty Knight Trucking Titan Machinery Loup Valley Dental Trotter’s Whoa & Go Express
Chamber Continues Support of Shop Local Efforts In 2020 Throughout 2020, the Ord Area Chamber found new and innovative ways to support small businesses, as well as continute previous shop local campaigns. Going into 2021, the Ord Area Chamber Board of Directors has the same mindset, to promote our area’s amazing local businesses. There are many ways the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce encourages community members to shop locally. One is the “Put Your Money Where Your House Is” campaign, which includes creating and sharing shop local content on social media to remind everyone that the best deals really are local deals. Another way the Chamber encourages local shopping is by promoting Sidewalk Sales. Not only did the Chamber coordinator and advertise this buy local event, but shoppers were invited to complete a Sidewalk Sales Checklist to be entered for the chance to win $50 in Ord Area ChamberBucks.
2020 Annual Report | Page 6 Ord Area Chamber of Commerce
2020 WinterFest & Small Business Saturday A global pandemic would not stop the Ord Area Chamber from supporting and promoting its members during the 2020 WinterFest and Small Business Saturday events. While the activities included directed health measures, they did not lack community support or holiday spirit. During 2020 WinterFest, community members stopped at Roy’s Place for hoiday treats, took contactless photos with Santa at Ace Hardware, and finished the day by warming up with hot drinks and treats from Valley Rods while watching thirteen area businesses “light up the square” during the parade. A Christmas movie event at The Golden Husk following the parade featured some special guests, dogs from a local animal shelter. Two new events were added to the WinterFest line up this year, the Virtual Snowball Drop and the Co-Chamber Small Business Scavenger Hunt. To keep community members safe, the Ord Area Chamber transitioned their annual Snowball Drop to a virtual event. Community members were granted entry to the drawing by tagging area businesses in “Business Boost” posts featured on the Ord, NE Facebook and Instagram pages. Entries were drawn during a Facebook Live on Saturday, November 28, 2020. Winners drawn during the live event received Snowball Savings offered by Ord Area Chamber members. In total, over 180 Snowball Savings were given to 67 lucky winners. ChamberBucks were also given to live commenters during the event. The Co-Chamber Scavenger Hunt was also added as a WinterFest activity. The Ord Area Chamber teamed up with the Burwell Chamber for their second collaborative scavenger hunt in an effort to promote shopping local. Teams of up to four were invited to collect clues from participating area businesses and post their photo evidence on socia media with #shopsmallscavengerhunt for the chance to win door prizes. Over $600 in Ord Area and Burwell ChamberBucks were given to winners. The Ord Area Chamber offers several promotion efforts during WinterFest and throughout the holiday season. When planning their Christmas shopping, community members can browse the Holiday Shopping Guide, featuring Ord Area Chamber members, as well as blog posts on the Ord, NE website featuring holiday store hours. Chamber businesses can also promote their hoiday open houses by adding them to the Calendar of Events and holiday deals to the Hot Deals page, both on the Ord, NE website. Holiday events and promotions can also be featured in posts on the Ord, NE Facebook and Instagram pages. Community members were also invited to submit their reciepts from Ord Area Chamber members to receive entries for the Holiday ChamberBucks Drawing. Ten lucky winners were drawn live on KNLV during Partyline Part 2 and received $100 in Ord Area ChamberBucks. During 2020’s holiday season, a total of $1,675 in ChamberBucks were given to community members to support shopping local.
2020 Annual Report | Page 7 Ord Area Chamber of Commerce
2020 WINTERFEST & SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY BUSINESS PROMOTION
307 COMMUNITY MEMBERS... tagged area businesses on "Business Boost" posts on the Ord, NE Facebook and Instagram pages for entry into the Virtual Snowball Drop.
SHOP LOCAL INCENTIVES
70 LOCAL SHOPPERS Submitted over 400 receipts from Ord Area Chamber members during the Holiday ChamberBucks Drawing.
#PUTYOURMONEYWHEREYOURHOUSEIS
$1,675 In ChamberBucks were given away during WinterFest activities, ensuring dollars were spent locally.
SHOP LOCAL INCENTIVES
189 SNOWBALL SAVING CERTIFICATES were given to 67 lucky winners during the Virtual Snowball Drop, encouraging community members to purchase gifts locally.
FOR REFERENCE: WWW.ENTREPRISESCANADA.CA
Chamber Connection Podcast
Episode List:
EP 1: Online Marketing EP 2: LVCI Chats About Networking groups are a great benefit of being a Childcare member of the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce. This EP 3: Why You Need an Estate year, with restrictions on in-person gatherings, the Ord Plan Area Chamber shifted to ensure members still reaped the benefits of networking and learning from members, EP 4: Diabetic Education & Detection partners and friends of the Chamber. EP 5: Fire- Why It’s Good For Chamber members were invited to share their expertise or participate in a networking session on a specific Agriculture & Habitats EP 6: A Mental Health topic. These conversations were repurposed to “The Resource for OPS Students Chamber Connection Podcast.” EP 7: Pain, Movement & How All episodes are available for everyone on Apple PodPhysical Therapy Can Help cast, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Podcasts. If you have a topic you would like to share with the community on EP 8: Small Business The Chamber Connection Podcast, contact our “produc- Saturday Promotions for Chamber Members ers” at (308) 728-7875.
ord area 2020
CHAMBER MEMBERS
Thank you to the following businesses, organizations and individuals who have invested in the future of the Valley County area!
VIP LEGACY MEMBERS ($1,000)
VIP VISIONARY MEMBERS ($700) *
VIP CHAMPION MEMBERS ($450)
Y’All Come Back Saloon & Grill
Whoa & Go - Ord
AC/DC Electric* Agland Electric & Irrigation* Airport Motel* American Family Insurance Justin Thompson Agency Arby’s-Ord* Bethel Baptist Church* Black Hills Energy* Bull Rush Investment Club* Buller Designscapes* Cargill, Inc.* Casey’s General Store - Ord* Central Community College Cheveux Salon* CinTrese Boutique* Cobblestone Inn & Suites* Cornerstone Bank* Cornhusker Coffee County Partners Cooperative* Critel Plumbing, Inc.* Culligan of Broken Bow* Dana F. Cole & Company, LLP Eakes Office Plus* Elyria Store-All* Farm Bureau Financial Services—Greg Duryea Farm Bureau Financial Services-Harold Benton* Farm Credit Services of America First United Methodist Church-Ord* Fischer Auto Sales Florette Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park Gene’s Electric, Inc.* The Golden Husk*
Great Plains Communications* Greater Loup Valley Activities (GLVA)* Green Meadows Aviation* Griess Automotive Grocery Kart* Gumb Auction & Realty* H&R Block* Hackel Cattle Hamilton Telecommunications* Hayden Outdoors Heartland Bank-Ord* Heartland Youth Ranch Hey Honey Boutique Husker Sales & Service Irrigation Listings & Mud Commander* J&J Sanitation* Jeffres Excavating* Jeffres Trucking* Kamp Kaleo* Kelsey Burson Photography Kim’s Fashions Knight Trucking* Kokes Repair, Inc.* Kruml Law Office, P.C., L.L.O. LG Photography* Linda’s Preschool & After School Program* Loup Valley Ag Society* Loup Valley Dental* Loup Valley Fitness* Loup Valleys Rural Public Power District* Lyions Floors Main Street Gallery* Mariposa-Design-Events* Maschka’s Building Center* MC Veterinary Service
Members as of October 22, 2020. *Denotes members of the 110% Club. Proceeds from the 110% Club will be used to redesign the Chamber’s website.
Mid Nebraska Individual Services Misko Sports* NAPA-The Parts Bin* Nebraska’s Big RodeoGarfield County Frontier Fair Association* Nebraska Distillers Products, LLC* Nebraska’s Junk Jaunt* Nebraska Public Power District New York Life, Agent Tony Larsen Nook & Cranny Reading* Normal Roasting Company* On The Fringe Wall Art* Ord-Elyria Ducks Unlimited Chapter 003* Ord Glass & Paint Ord Housing Authority* Ord Locker Ord Memorial Chapel* Ord Public Schools* Ord Sports Chiropractic & Wellness* Ord Township Library* Ord Veteran’s Club* Ord Veterinary Clinic, Inc.* Orscheln Farm & Home* Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church* Peterson Legal Services* Petska Backhoe & Plumbing* Petska Fur & Gloves Piskorski Dental* Pizza Hut-Ord* Pizza Palace* Plains Equipment Group Principal Financial Group* PS Etc. Pump & Pantry-Ord*
Reineke Accounting* Rescare Workforce Services Rex & Deb’s River Lodge* Riverside Physical Therapy* Riverview Bunkhouse Route 83 Boutique Roy’s Place Ruterbories Trucking Sandhills Suites* Sandstone Grill* Scratchtown Brewing Company* Second Hand Rose* Severson, Lammers & Abel CPA’s P.C. Shear Bliss Salon Shelter InsuranceMatt Woodward* Sikyta Law Office* Smith Chiropractic* Sports Shed, Etc.* St. John’s Lutheran Church* State FarmWray Insurance Agency* Subconn, Inc. Subway-Ord* SynoVation Valley Leadership Academy* Titan Machinery-Ord* Town & Country Insurance Agency* Trotter Event Center* Trotter Fertilizer & Propane Trotter Tire & Truck Repair Utopia Spa & Health Studio* Valley Auto Parts* Valley County* Valley County Community Foundation Fund* Valley County Health System Foundation* Valley County Historical Society*
Valley Thunder Rods & Restoration, LLC* Valley Transportation* Valley View Senior Village* Wolf Auction & Real Estate* Zangger Popcorn Hybrids* Zyia Active by Joanie INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Dave & Nancy Glaubke* Amos & Lindsay Lange* Bernard & Barbara Petska* Ray Scott* HONORARY LIFETIME MEMBERS Frank & Dorothy Andreesen Gaylord Boilesen Dean & Heloise Bresley Allen & Gerry Bundy Duane & Laurie Carson Phyllis Clement-Music Teacher Dave Ference Bill French Dr. Dale Karre Rich Klimek Carol Leggett Larry Masin Misko Family Mary Molle Bob Moyer Walt Smith Bob Stowell Dale & Janie Zadina
Thank you to our 2020 Ord Area Chamber Members. We look forward to working with you all again in 2021 and continuing to cultivate new ideas and strategies to support you, your business, and your community! -Kristina Foth
Interim Executive Director & Katie Walmsley Program Coordinator
Sustain Our Quality. Retain Our Youth. Grow Our Community. 2020 Annual Report | Page 8 Ord Area Chamber of Commerce
Valley County Economic Development & Ord Area Chamber Join Forces To Support Support For Community Those Effected By COVID-19 Throughout the past year, local businesses were bombarded with resources to help them continue to operate through the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ord Area Chamber of Commerce and Valley County Econoimc Development worked to communicate relevant information and updates that would benefit the local community including details on the Small Business Stabilization Grants, Livestock Producers Grants, Workforce Training Initiative and Gallup Business Leadership Training Grant, all of which were funded with federal CARES Act dollars and administered through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Additionally, Valley County Economic Development lobbied for revised guidelines allowing small businesses with fewer than five employees
to qualify for the Small Business Stabilization Grants. When a second round of these grant funds became available, businesses with 1-75 employees were eligible to apply which created the opportunity for several small businesses in Valley County with fewer than five employees. Grants administered through DHHS for charitable organizations, churchs and childcare providers were also comunicated via Chamber and VCED email lists, website, social media and other outlets ith local media. The Ord Area Chamber and VCED also contributied to the Valley County Together COVID-19 Resources Guide, aligned with representatives from the City of Ord, Valley County Community Foundation Fund, Valley County Tourism, Ord Public Schools and Valley
County Health System. This guide included information on Business Resources, Food & Shopping, Health & Mental Health, among others. In May, the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce picked up 150 gallons of hand sanitizer from the Nebraska Innovation Campus in Lincoln. The 80% alcohol based sanitizer is made at the Universtiy of Nebraska - Lincoln Food Processing Center with guidance from the UNL College of Engineering. Ingredients were donated by Nebrasaka’s fuel ethanol producers and the companies who supply and support the ethanol industry. The saniziter was distributed to Valley County Buisnesses, churches and other destinations free of charge in an effort to help the community stay healthy and safe.
Chamber Board members unloaded and delivered sanitizer that was made available to the Valley County Community.
Support for Businesses No one anticipated the unprecedented challenges businesses would experience in 2020. Businesses deemed “non-essential” faced limited capacities and closures that directly impacted their bottom line. In the midst of non-existent foot traffic and lack of communal gatherings, three community partners strategically designed the 47 County Business Boost gift card program to assist local businesses.
County to designate $25,000 of the voter approved LB840 sales tax funds for a gift card program that would provide businesses with a 50% cash match for gift cards purchased by local consumers. The funds were grantd to the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce, the organization that distributed the matching funds to participating businessses based on their reported gift card sales.
Representatives from the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce, Valley County Economic Development and Ord City Council brainstormed ways local funds could be utilized to stimulate the economy during the time of uncertainty. VCED provided a recommendation to Ord City
Twenty six local businesses opted-in to participate in the program which ultimately infused a total of $80,471 into the local business community. Of that total, $55,471 came from reported gift card sales and $25,000 from the designated matching funds.
2020 Annual Report | Page 9 Community Collaborations
While the financial impact for the local economy was significant, it also generated positive impacts as it relates to the buy local mentality in Valley County. Shoppers were eager to support local businesses with gift card purchases and in return, several businesses offered generous incentives such as free products and buy-one-get-one gift certificates for shoppers. The gift card program was also featured on NTV News.
Lodging Tax Collections Remain Steady Despite 2020 Travel Restrictions
Valley County lodging tax collections remain consistent compared to previous years despite Directed Health Measures and travel restrictions implemented in an effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, lodging tax collections for the 2020 calendar year have already exceeded 2019 with a total of $29,558.00 being collected from January through November (December collections have not yet been reported). Lodging tax collections totaled $28,690 in 2019. The volume of family vacations, weddings, conferences and work-related travel, all of which contribute to local loding activity, may not have been comparable to a typical year, but local lodging tax collections did not suffer, mostly because of Valley County’s options for outdoor recreation and camping. The Lower Loup Natural Resources District’s investment in additional campsites and improvements at Davis Creek Resevoir, the City of Ords investment in additional camper pads in Bussel Park in recent years as well as the campgrounds in North Loup and Arcadia, all contribute to the lodging tax our community benefits from. Valley County’s lodging tax rate of 5% is collected by lodging facilities and campgrounds throughout the county. Of that rate, 1% goes to the State of Nebraska and 4% returns to the community. The total Valley County receives each month is evenly split between the Visitors Promotion Fund and Visitors Improvement Fund, both of which are utilized by the Valley County Tourism Committee to promote travel opportunities and contribute to tourism development throughout the county.
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Lodging Tax Collections:
E
In 2020, 116 Venture to Valley County Travel Guides were sent to 26 states and 5 different countries! .COM UNTY
EYCO
VALL
VISIT
2019
$28,690.37
2020
$29,558.00
*As of Nov. 2020
2020 Annual Report | Page 10 Valley County Tourism
Valley County Tourism Launches New Website
Valley County Tourism’s new website-www.VisitValleyCounty.com-launched on December 1, 2020 and illustrates the stunning destinations, memorable adventures and genuine hospitality found in Valley County. The site was designed to resonate with individuals interested in different types of travel- Weekend Warriors, Family Adventure, Ladies Getaway and Outdoor Adventures. These target audiences, which the Valley County Tourism Committee identified at their most recent action planning session, are directed to content specific to their travel interests. Valley County has also seen an increase among local, regional and state wide organizations hosting conferences and gatherings in our area, so the site now includes Host A Conference resources to help guide coordinators when they are seeking meeting space, caterers and the support that Valley County Tourism can provide to help welcome their event participants.
Venture to Valley County travel guide, which also enables Valley County Tourism to capture website visitors’ email addresses to stay in touch with them about travel opportunities in the area. The second call to action encourages website visitors to book lodging in Valley County. Valley County Tourism also invested in new digital media as part of the website redesign process. You’ll see a video reel on the homepage and new photography throughout the site that illustrates the adventure and hospitality visitors will find when they explore Valley County.
New features that were not availble on the former site include a blog, which now offers a way to share evergreen content and information on upcoming events, as well as Google maps so visitors can reference where destinations are located in proximitiy to each other. Two prominent calls to action are apparent throughtout the website. One being the invitation to order a free copy of the
Staff & Contact Information Kristina Foth Interim Executive Director kristinafoth@ordnebraska.com (308) 728-7875 Katie Walmsley Program Coordinator katiewalmsley@ordnebraska.com (308) 728-7875
2020 Annual Report | Page 11 Valley County Tourism
2020 Board and Committee Members:
Gaylord Boilesen- President Thomas Herman- Vice President Pat Waldman- Tresurer Russ Callan- Secretary Nancy Glaubke Dan Petska Dan Piskorski Dan Vech
Betty Wheeler- President Amber Mentzer- Vice President Dean Fahrenholz- Treasurer Morgan Lange- Secretary Johnnie Bish Arielle Brinkman Roy Farrens Keli Gideon Steve Klimek Amos Lange Mitch Reineke Christy Oestreich Lindsy Gumb Roberts
Caleb Pollard- Chairman Jane John- Vice Chairman Deb Kelley- Secretary Betty Carlson Skye Griess Sharon Iwanski Tylr Naprstek