The Chamber Salutes . . .

and is deeply grateful for all of the tireless volunteers who devote a great deal of time to the success of our Heritage Days Celebration each and every year! The number of people needed to organize, plan and manage a celebration of this magnitude is unbelievable! And impossible without the dedicated commitment of so many. We extend our heartfelt “THANKS” to those who are behind the scenes making it all possible!

The Chamber Salutes . . .

the group of men who have taken it upon themselves to place the United States flag up and down Norris Avenue on various occasions throughout the year. These men have met the challenge of that daunting task on many an occasion in an effort to instill in each and every one of us a strong feeling of patriotism for our country. Because there are a number of men involved, there will not be names mentioned here. Some of this same group personally purchased 4,000 small flags and distributed them to parade goers this past Saturday during the Heritage Days parade! Your efforts have not gone unnoticed even though you do not seek accolades or recognition! We only wish to express our sincere appreciation to you....We salute and thank you!

New Teacher's Breakfast

The New Teacher’s Breakfast sponsored by the Chamber and hosted by the WalMart Supercenter was held on Saturday, September 9, at the WalMart store. Twenty guests were welcomed by Richard Stull, Chamber President, Pam Harsh, Chamber Executive Director, as well as, Liz Geihsler and Nancy Broadfoot, WalMart Associates.

The new teachers representing schools throughout the Southwest Nebraska area were treated to a delicious breakfast as well as door prizes provided by various Chamber member businesses.

Businesses extending a warm welcome included: AmFirst Bank, Barnett’s Do It Center, BC Graphics, Brown’s Shoe Fit Company, Coppermill Restaurant, Country Kitchen Restaurant, Curves for Women, D & S Hardware, Eakes Office Supply, First Central Bank, Garrison’s From Farm to Formal, Heritage Hills Golf Course, Hershberger’s Music Store, Knowlen & Yates, Longnecker’s Jewelry, McCook Pharmacy & Medical Supply, McCook National Bank, Peterson Jewelry, Pizza Hut/KFC/Taco Bell, Rita’s Framing Creations, Schmick’s Market, Taste of Texas, The Buckle, Top Office Products, Union Bank & Trust, VK Electronics, Wagner Ford, Mercury, Toyota, Inc., and Wells Fargo Bank.

Legislative Forum

Barry Kennedy, President of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, spoke to approximately 35 business people in attendance at the annual legislative forum breakfast held on September 12 at the Country Kitchen Restaurant. Mr. Kennedy described the business climate in Nebraska and how we rank across the nation in that area. According to Mr. Kennedy, Nebraska has made great strides to become a business friendly state but still has much work to do. The 44th Legislative District candidates, Mark Christensen and Frank Shoemaker, as well as our outgoing representative, Tom Baker, also addressed those present. The candidates were each given the opportunity to respond to questions posed by the attendees. In closing the forum, Mr. Baker summarized some of the challenges facing the new legislators as they replace seasoned representatives being phased out by term limits.

Barry Kennedy, President Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry		Mark Christensen, 44th Legislative District Candidate
Frank Shoemaker, 44th Legislative District Candidate		Senator Tom Baker, 44th Legislative District

35th Annual Heritage Days Celebration

Cloudy, blustery skies, as well as, threats of moisture and cold temperatures greeted Heritage Days participants on Saturday as we kicked off the 35th year of celebrating our heritage in McCook. A good crowd of Southwest Nebraskans weathered the cold and joined the weekend fun. The parade boasted approximately 110 entries as it snaked along the route down Norris Avenue and west on C street to the City Auditorium. Sunday was a gorgeous day and much more conducive to being outdoors for the activities. The Wednesday evening mixer at McCook National Bank was well-attended as the anticipation grew while waiting to learn who had been named to represent our community through Grand Marshall, Parade Marshall, Honor Family, and Royalty. Jerda Garey, Chairperson of the Heritage Days Committee, bestowed the title of Grand Marshall upon John Battershell, Parade Marshall upon Linda Taylor, and the Honor Family upon Ken & Marlene Foster. Royalty was named from four candidates. Our Heritage Days Queen was Ashlee Huffman and the Princess was Brittanie Simmonds. Both are seniors at McCook High School. McCook Community College awards two $500.00 scholarships to the royalty.

The Norris Foundation Prayer Breakfast was highly successful again this year. Jim Harris, Attorney-At-Law, a 1973 MHS graduate, currently residing in Lincoln, spoke with fondness of McCook and what makes it special. Jim is still actively involved in promotion of McCook through the Heritage Square project. The popular Heritage Challenge on Saturday afternoon was a hit again this year. Competition was fierce as each team member was challenged to face an activity outside their respective comfort zones and then asked to work together to master a “puzzling” problem. Winning teams were: McCook Daily Gazette $500.00 Community Hospital $350.00 and AmFirst Bank $150.00. At the close of the day on Saturday, promoters enjoyed a packed house at the Fox Theatre for the musical performance by the Heritage Singers and the Oberlin Area Concert Band as they took us on a “Journey Through WWII in Music”. Those in attendance gave raving reviews of the experience. A wide range of emotions were triggered throughout the performance as you experienced sadness, happiness, silliness and overwhelming pride. It was nothing short of phenomenal! The Arts & Crafts Show, throughout both days, featured a variety of vendors with unique products. A wide selection of food was also available. Sunday’s “Church in the Park” was hosted by the McCook Harvest Church and was well attended. Visitors in the park were treated to special musical entertainment on both afternoons. The Heritage Days Committee will meet to wrap-up the event and then wait for the calendar to turn to February signaling the time to begin plans for 2007.

Heritage Days Photos:

Heritage Challenge Celebrity Auction

Honor Guard

Grand Marshall

Heritage Days Parade Marshall

Honor Family

Heritage Days Royalty

Heritage Days Past Royalty

Happy 125th Birthday McCook in 2007
 

High Plains Freedom Flight 2006

The hot air balloon committee is gearing up as plans are being finalized for the 6th Annual High Plains Freedom Flight which is scheduled for October 27,28 and 29. Sponsors are being contacted and pilots are registering for the event. The committee is looking forward to hosting this spectacular fall event. The later date this year should guarantee awesome photography opportunities as the bright colors of the balloons cross the brilliant blue skies with a canvas of fall beauty below. Riding in a hot air balloon is a rare opportunity that is not often presented to the average citizen across the country. Because you reside in Southwest Nebraska or Northwest Kansas, that opportunity is available to you! Be a part of this exciting and breathtaking event. Contact the Chamber office at 308-345-3200 or info@aboutmccook.com or visit the website http://www.mccookballoonfest.com to learn more about this opportunity and how you can get on board for a great weekend!