Did You Know?

Did you know that the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce facilitates the Heritage Days Celebration? We are celebrating the 38th Annual celebration beginning with the mixer on Wednesday, September 23, and concluding on Sunday, September 27. The Thursday evening activities include our popular “Deal Or No Deal” game show, “Art In The Park” Exhibits, Children’s Sidewalk Chalk Art and the public BBQ. Friday is the Norris Foundation Prayer Breakfast and activities at the Heritage Senior Center as well as an art auction at the Fox Theatre. Saturday is the parade, boasting the theme “Lookin’ Fine in ‘09”. Norris Park will be buzzing with bandshell entertainment, the Arts and Crafts Fair, bingo, games for kids, the Backyard BBQ contest and the Annual Car Show. The Fox Theatre will have a musical show on Saturday evening. The celebration continues on Sunday with Church in the Park, the Arts and Crafts Fair, more bandshell entertainment and special old time games for kids. Come celebrate with us……finalized schedules will be distributed to Chamber member businesses soon or you can call the Chamber at 345-3200.

Annual “Educator Welcome Brunch” Scheduled

The McCook Area Chamber of Commerce Education Committee has been working with WalMart SuperCenter to plan the annual new teacher’s breakfast. The committee made a change in the name of the event this year to lend itself to a better understanding of the purpose of the event. The date selected this year is Saturday, September 12, at 10:00 a.m. at WalMart. Mailings have been sent to the schools in a nine county area inviting both teachers and administrators to attend a mid-morning brunch at the store. Those who attend for the first time are always amazed as to why they hadn’t come in previous years. The food is wonderful and the door prizes (both quantity and quality) are outstanding! If you have any questions or need further information, we encourage you to contact the Chamber office at 345-3200.

McCook Farm & Ranch Expo

Mark your calendar for the McCook Farm & Ranch Expo, November 19-20, at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds. Darren Dale, is pictured here with one of the corporate sponsors, Hometown Family Radio representative, Lyle Houser, as they finalize some plans for the expo. Even though the bar was set high last year, Dale is looking forward to an even more successful show this year. If you plan to be represented at the expo this year, be certain to submit your contracts and reserve your booth space right away before they fill up.

The Chamber Salutes....

McCook National Bank and Scott Barger for yet another outstanding Hot Summer Nights Concert Series in Norris Park. The McCook Chamber of Commerce appreciates the opportunity to serve Root Beer Floats at each concert. (We are still amazed that Scott is able to order such beautiful weather year in and year out!) The concerts are truly a special treat to look forward to in anticipation each summer!

Coffee Connection Hosted by Willow Ridge

Willow Ridge Senior Living Community hosted the August 19 Chamber Coffee Connection. We would like to thank Linda Dixon and Ann Ferguson of Willow Ridge for facilitating the August coffee. The Coffee Connection has proven to be a popular networking event for Chamber members. As a result, several businesses have stepped forward to host future coffees. The Coffee Connection is an informal gathering from 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. with a “come as you can” and “go as you must” format.

We are currently booked for the remainder of the year at the following businesses:
Parker/Hannifin September 16
McCook Art Guild October 21
McCook Farm & Ranch Expo November 19
There will be no Coffee in December.

Leadership Institute Retreat - August 3 & 4

The 2009-2010 Leadership Institute Class headed to our State Capital bright and early (5:30 AM) on Monday, August 3. Doug Joyce, MPCC Center for Enterprise, and Pam Harsh, McCook Area Chamber of Commerce, accompanied the class as sponsors. Those members of the class in attendance were: Shannon Bricker, Laura Brooks, Linda Dixon, Hailey Esch, Diana Gross, Jason Hauxwell , Sharon Kircher, Brenda Lawless, Chad Lyons, Leanne Miller, Nick Nothnagel, Elise Polly, Erin Premer, Stacy Priebe, Lynn Soncksen and Colyn Suda. Highlights of the retreat included a private visit with Governor Dave Heineman, conversations with several of the State Department Heads and tours of the Capital Building, Nebraska State Penitentiary and University of Nebraska Memorial Stadium. McCook Community College provided the bus which was driven by MCC Head Basketball Coach, Brandon Lenhart. Senator Mark Christensen spent the day with the class and even tried his hand at miniature golf that evening.