The Chamber Salutes . . .

Senator Tom Baker for his many years of legislative service for the 44th District and the State of Nebraska. We wish him well as he returns to his home and business interests in Southwest Nebraska.

Legislative Wrap-up Breakfast

Twenty members of the Government Affairs Committee met for breakfast at the Country Kitchen Restaurant on Thursday, May 4.  The breakfast was co-hosted by the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce and the South Platte United Chambers of Commerce.

Honored guests included Senator Tom Baker who was presented the Hooper Award in keeping with a SPUCC tradition for outgoing members of the legislature. Senator Baker reviewed the past Legislative session and answered questions presented by those in attendance.

Spring Car Show

A cool but pleasant Saturday, May 6, marked the day for the annual car show in Barnett Park which is organized by Terry Sitzman of McCook. The "Chamber Choice" award was selected by Chamber Executive Director, Pam Harsh. Pam's choice was the sleek, black with white striping, 1970 Chevy SS396 which is proudly owned and displayed by Mitchell Sis of McCook. The sporty car brought back memories of Pam's college years and was, therefore, the hands-down winner! The car was a surprise Christmas gift from Mitchell's wife, Dee.

National Teacher Appreciation Week-May 7-13

The Education Committee of the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce recognized the many contributions made by our teachers during National Teacher Appreciation by delivering over 250 candy bars on Tuesday, May 9. The "100 Grand" candy bars were a symbolic gesture of appreciation.

Educator of the Year Award

Twelve outstanding applications from seven school districts in the area were considered for the 2006 Educator of the Year Award which is selected by the Education Committee of the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce. Funds for the award are made available by Mr. Allen D. Strunk "in recognition of and in appreciation for outstanding performance in the field of education with special emphasis on motivating students to reach their highest potential". An anonymous numerical scoring system is utilized in the selection process.

This year's honoree is Dee Friehe, a fifth grade instructor at McCook's Central Elementary School. Linda Wood, Chairperson of the Education Committee, made the presentation just prior to the MHS graduation on Sunday, May 14.

Friehe is a former graduate of McCook High School, McCook Community College, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In addition to her teaching career, Mrs. Friehe is active in a number of organizations including the McCook Arts Council, ADK, and Beta Sigma Phi. Over the years, she has been involved with Legion Baseball, Evening for Hospice, and served her church, St. Alban's Episcopal Church, in many areas. Two former students, Madison Koepke and Kalie Kennedy, submitted the nomination.

For more information on this annual award, please contact the Chamber office at 345-3200.

The Chamber Salutes...

the Education Committee for their commitment to recognizing the value of our area educators. The committee devotes a good deal of time scoring each application that is received for the annual Educator of the Year Award. In addition, they take a portion of their day each spring to assist the Chamber in delivering a token of appreciation to teachers whose chosen career is so instrumental in motivating and shaping the lives of our youth. Over the years the committee has also teamed up with Wal-Mart every fall to host a 'Welcome Breakfast' for new teachers to area school districts. Thank you.

I-80 Tour Guides Visit McCook

Over 30 tour guides who man the rest areas along Interstate 80 across the state traveled to McCook on May 11 to learn more about Southwest Nebraska. The guides were treated to a bus tour of sites in McCook which was narrated by Dan Stramel.

Dan is a member of the Red Willow County Visitors Committee which hosted the guides during their visit to McCook. Much to their delight, the guides were given the opportunity to visit a number of businesses "On the Bricks" before checking into their respective motels. The evening was spent poolside at the Chief Motel attending a mini Travel Show and enjoying the buffet provided by the Country Kitchen Restaurant.

Various representatives of Southwest Nebraska tourism interests shared their venues with the tour guides as they made their way from display to display. Represented were: McCook Area Chamber of Commerce, 2006 Nebraska State Fly-In, George Norris Home, McCook Army Airbase, Ivan Schmid and Harold Davidson Winery, Grand Duke Alexis Rendezvous, Buffalo Commons Storytelling Festival, Sehnert's Bakery & Bieroc Cafe, High Plains Museum, Red Willow County Fairgrounds Kiplinger Arena, Community of Stratton, Tea With Thee (Dawna Bates), McCook Speedway, Community of Palisade, and the Cambridge Bed & Breakfast.