Chamber Annual Banquet Committee members elected
to follow a less formal theme than in recent years and all
indications are that the guests enjoyed the change. The “Boot
Scootin’ Boogie” theme followed a western motif. The dinner
included salad greens, a loaded baked potato topped with pulled
pork or chopped beef, baked beans and cornbread which was all
served on a pie tin representing table service from the Old
West. The meal was capped with a dessert selection of apple or
cherry pie and ice cream. ACME Touch Printing made a huge
contribution to the theme decor by providing over 240 red and
blue handkerchiefs which were used in the table centerpieces as
well as for napkins. In addition, they provided cowboy hat
coasters for each place setting. Hillcrest Nursing Home also
stepped forward to offer their many western decorations which
included oversized cowboy boots that stood over 6 feet tall.
Accents, Etc. provided several western theme paintings to add to
the decor. AmFirst Bank provided the “jail and bail” counter for
the bail bondsman. Corporate table signs also followed the
western theme. Other decorations to complete the theme were
added by committee members.
Entertainment was provided by the Southwest
Nebraska Community Theatre Association. Stars of the upcoming
production, “Paint Your Wagon” performed three musical
selections from the play. Marie Coffey accompanied them on the
Clavinova provided by Hershberger Music Company.
Executive Director, Pam Harsh, expressed her
appreciation for the generous donations from the Chamber
membership for the auction which serves as a fundraiser for the
Chamber. Auction items were solicited from Chamber members by
the Chamber Board of Directors. Chris Hanson, Auction Chairman,
was assisted by Gina Stamm, Hometown Family Radio, in the
monumental task of organizing the various auction packages and
making purchases to complete themes within those packages.
Johnny Walker, Nebraska Auction Service, was the auctioneer for
the evening. Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska, Tammy Moorhead, and
Southwest Nebraska Rodeo Queen, Samantha Shearer, and Princess,
Kristin Kohmetscher, as well as, the 2007 Heritage Days Queen,
Samantha Post, assisted in displaying items being auctioned.
A highlight of the evening was the opportunity
to win a fabulous trip to Las Vegas courtesy of Hometown Family
Radio. Twenty sealed envelopes, each holding a Poker Hand were
auctioned off. Participants in the play-off were eliminated by
the ‘quality’ of the hand they held. When only two participants
remained, the winner was determined by a high card draw. The
prize was a five day, four night stay in Las Vegas and included
tickets to one of four shows available. The Chamber added
$300.00 in spending cash to complete the package.
 |
The
Vegas Trip was won by Cora Berry, McCook.
Photo courtesy of McCook Daily Gazette |
A consolation prize, provided by Don Hall
of the Norris Home, included a private tea party to be held at
the Norris Home. DeEtta Grooms, McCook, was the lucky winner.
Following the auction, guests were invited to
stay for the Western Dance. Music was provided by Jesse Stevens
of D.J. X-press.
Fifteen corporate tables were reserved by Chamber
member businesses for the 83rd Annual Chamber Banquet. The
businesses were featured in the Chamber Banquet Tab published by the
McCook Daily Gazette. Those articles are reprinted here. Additional
corporate sponsors include: Little Hands 24 Hour Childcare Center
and Preschool, Lehmann Saddle Company, Parker Hannifin, Hubert
Industries and the City of McCook.
AmFirst Bank
AmFirst Bank is proud to have been a part of the
business community in Southwest Nebraska since 1906. AmFirst
Bank was originally chartered as First National Bank in Hayes
Center. From that beginning, we have expanded to include
locations in McCook, Hayes Center, Benkelman, Denver and
Longmont.
Our customers have been the key to our success
and will always be our #1 priority! Local, dedicated employees
are the key to maintaining the exceptional level of service that
our customers have come to expect. AmFirst currently employees
over 50, southwest Nebraska residents. We take great pride in
the fact that we are a hometown, independent bank with a full
array of services to satisfy any financial need.
We are proud to have been a part of Southwest
Nebraska for over 100 years and we look forward to the next 100
years. We pledge continued participation in the events of this
area and are committed to being a contributing member of local
commerce and area economic development.
Community Hospital
Advanced care. Always there.
There are things we treasure about life in
southwestern Nebraska: the glorious open skies, the rolling
prairie grasses, and the spirit of independence and achievement
that’s been passed down from those who first settled this area
and wisely made it their home.
Today, the McCook area is blessed with a
thriving economy, good schools, and excellent health care close
to home. As a regional hospital, Community Hospital is driven to
provide quality patient-centered care. Our dedicated team
continually offers outstanding medical services with exceptional
compassion.
Built in 1974, Community Hospital is a 25-bed,
not-for-profit, critical access facility. As a regional
hospital, Community Hospital is equipped to care for the more
than 30,000 people who live in the referral area.
The facility was remodeled in 1989 and 1996 to
expand outpatient surgery, therapy services, CT scanning and
cardiac/pulmonary rehab. In 2000, an additional project expanded
the laboratory, nursery, emergency room and laundry. Recent
facility updates include the emergency room and admissions
areas.
A $3.8 million Rehabilitation Center for
physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as cardiac
and pulmonary therapy was completed in March 2007. Community
Hospital is licensed by the state of Nebraska and accredited
through The Joint Commission. For more information about
Community Hospital, visit our website at
www.chmccook.org.
First Central Bank
First Central Bank McCook is owned by area
businessmen and women and is operated by staff from the
communities it serves. All decisions regarding the business of
the bank are made locally. The bank is, of course, a member of
the FDIC.
First Central Bank McCook started with just a
handful of employees in a small office in Westview Shopping
Plaza. It received its charter in 1999. The staff and board
broke ground for the new building in which the bank is now
located in 2000. FCBM currently has 17 full time and 4 part time
employees. Today the bank has grown to $56 million in total
assets. Don Moore is the President and CEO of the First Central
Bank McCook.
The Curtis Loan Production Office has two
employees who passionately promote First Central Bank. FCBM also
has sister banks in Cambridge, Arapahoe and Edison.
The Hometown Agency is located in the lower
level of First Central Bank McCook. Hometown’s location at the
bank makes it very convenient for customers to take care of
banking and insurance needs with just one stop.
Customer service and convenience are foremost at
FCBM which has ample parking and easy access. FirstLink Online
Banking allows customers to do their banking from their
computers anytime, anywhere. In keeping pace with customer
needs, the bank offers VISA Gift Cards, along with access to
thousands of ATMs with no service charge through the MoneyPass
network.
First Central Bank: First in Service, First in
Commitment
Hillcrest Nursing Home
Progress has been a key ingredient to the
success of Hillcrest Nursing Home. As we celebrate our 45th
Anniversary, Hillcrest continues to serve the residents of
southwest Nebraska. Hillcrest Administrator, Peggy Rogers
encourages the public to participate in our upcoming
celebrations. If you have questions about upcoming events,
contact us at 345-4600. Happy 45th Hillcrest!
Hillcrest Progress 1963-2008
1963 23 private & semi-private rooms.
1968 Lorene Jennings Wing added.
1976 Wrightstone Wing addition.
1982 Cashen Wing added—99 licensed beds.
1989 Front Living Room addition.
1995 $1.9 million addition/renovation increasing beds to
120—new Special Care Unit for Alzheimer’s residents, Heavy
Care Unit, upgrade to kitchen, new activities area and sun
porch.
1997 Little Folks Childcare Center established.
2000 Hidden Pines Assisted Living 10 apartments opened.
2004 Renovation of dining area.
2006 Automatic doors at front & ambulance entrances.
2008 Complete facility coverage of fire sprinklers and
renovation of 100 Courtyard.
McCook College Foundation
Organized in 1974, the mission of the McCook
College Foundation is to promote and enhance the educational
opportunities offered by McCook Community College, Nebraska’s
first Junior College founded in 1926. The Foundation’s assets
and activities are managed by volunteer Board of Directors
recruited from Red Willow, Frontier, Hitchcock, Dundy, Chase,
and Hayes counties in Southwest Nebraska. The Foundation is a
501(c)(3) non-profit organization, therefore, donations are tax
deductible. The Foundation believes that our founding philosophy
to support lifelong learning opportunities contributes to the
success of the individual, our communities, and our nation. The
Foundation’s core categories of support are: Student Financial
Aid, Campus Enhancements, Programs, and Activities. The
Foundation is dedicated to: outreach and recruitment of
students; ongoing development and expansion of academic and
vocational programs; scholarships and loans for full and
part-time students; support for experienced and involved
faculty; innovative instruction in the classroom, including
distance and on-line learning capabilities; adequate,
well-maintained facilities and equipment; and promotion of
advanced study degree opportunities. In the period 1996 through
2007, the Foundation provided over $1,128,000 in funding
support. MCC is on the threshold to the future with the
construction of an Events Center to support campus and community
recreation events, athletic training and sports medicine, as
well as provide multi-functional space to support college,
community, and public service activities, programs, meetings,
and conferences. The Foundation is an active partner with the
college in a Major Gifts Campaign to raise the funds to build
the MCC Events Center.
McCook National Bank
The Bank a Community Built
Service. Community. Commitment. Strength. All
these words exemplify McCook National Bank’s dedication to
Southwest Nebraska. Patrick Walsh, moved by his desire to
develop the McCook area, joined with other concerned citizens in
starting McCook National Bank in 1907.
Since opening our doors on October 14, 1907,
McCook National Bank has not wavered from this commitment.
However, the success of our institution doesn’t rest on the
laurels of our employees, but on the strong support we’ve
received from our loyal customers over the last 100 years.
We truly believe that MNB is a bank built by the
community and we strive to stay true to the mission of Patrick
Walsh and our founders - to meet the financial and economic
needs of the residents of Southwest Nebraska.
Wagner Ford Mercury Toyota/Wagner Chevrolet
Wagner Ford-Mercury, Inc. was established
January 2000 when Chris and Annette Wagner and Jerome Knoll
purchased the dealership from Andy and Geri Anderson. The
Anderson’s had owned the Ford Dealership for 42 years. Prior to
the Anderson’s, the Ford Dealership was owned by Myatt Volentine.
Wagner Ford-Mercury, Inc. purchased the Toyota
Franchise in 2004 from the Budke Family. The Budke’s were the
first Toyota Franchise in McCook holding the Franchise for 39
years.
In May of 2005, the Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac
and Cadillac dealership was purchased from Howard and Janet Kool.
The Kool’s owned the business for 25 years purchasing the
Chevrolet Dealership from Ben and Thelma Hormel who owned the
dealership for 42 years. Hormel’s purchased the dealership from
the DeGraw family.
Wagner’s are the Franchised Dealers for Ford,
Mercury, Toyota, Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac and Cadillac.
Wagner’s have a great selection of inventory for your automobile
purchase with well over 250 new and used automobiles in stock.
Their courteous and friendly sales staff and their finance
professionals will make your buying experience pleasant. With
their two great locations in downtown McCook, they are here to
service your automotive needs. Both Dealerships are full service
dealerships offering Certified Technicians, and Fully Stocked
Parts Departments. In addition, the Ford Dealership has a
complete Auto Body Shop, 24-hour Wrecker Service and Rental
Cars.
Wagner Ford-Mercury-Toyota, Inc. currently has
19 full-time employees and Wagner
Chevrolet-Buick-Pontiac-Cadillac, Inc. has 17 full-time
employees.
Wells Fargo Bank
Wells Fargo is a diversified financial services
company serving McCook, Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas
consumers, businesses and nonprofit organizations. The company’s
McCook location is at 108 W. D St. Its team of dedicated
professionals can provide the products and services to help make
you, your business and organization financially successful.
As a community bank, decisions are made locally,
on behalf of the customers and communities we serve. Our vision
is to satisfy all of our customers’ financial services needs and
help them succeed financially.
Wells Fargo has $575 billion in assets, 159,800
team members and 80-plus businesses. It is the nation’s leading
financial services provider for agricultural business, farmers
and livestock producers as well as the No. 1 agribusiness lender
in the United States. The company’s network of experienced
agribusiness financial service professionals serve farm
operations of all sizes. Each has access to specialized
agribusiness support from across the company in major ag
segments – from swine to dairy; corn to soybeans.
The company also has its own ag industry
economist, who prepares timely industry reports on major crops
and livestock and travels the nation to speak to groups about
agriculture trends and economic forecasts for the rural markets
Wells Fargo serves.
Wells Fargo also is committed to giving back to
the communities it serves. Across Nebraska, Wells Fargo team
members logged more than 17,000 hours in volunteer work across
the state last year. In McCook and across the state, Wells Fargo
is working to take the community – and your organization – to
the next stage financially.
