Garden County Nebraska

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Oshkosh, Lewellen, Lisco

Garden County Chamber of Commerce
Regular Meeting Minutes
February 15, 2007

The Garden County Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting was held February 15, 2007, at the Eagles Club in Oshkosh. Dinner was at 6:30 by Korner Kitchen. The meeting was called to order by President Nathan Loyd at 7:05pm. Minutes of the January meeting were provided to members and Jack Nerud made a motion to pass the minutes. Motion seconded by Pat Ainsworth. The treasurer's report was also reviewed.

Guests for the evening included Betty Kechle.

Jeanne Nelson was present with Elementary students who were here to make a presentation on inventions they made from Bubble wrap. Jeanne said the project started with 28 kids. Delbert Caslin presented his project first which was a bubble wrap toilet seat that "stayed comfortable" which was necessary since "you spend half your lifetime on the toilet seat". Emily Nelson made a Barbie boat that winds up and is for use in the bathtub. Aubriel Jones made a water resistant raincoat. Kelsea Vincent made a "soothing seat" which converted from a couch into a table. Aaron Stegman made a "boy on air" chair with a table and a cup holder. Jeanne discussed the FBLA for the Junior High and said they had just finished their Christopher Columbus Program which discussed business problems and solutions. The main problem the kids saw in our community is that there is no place for the younger kids to be. They also came up with new ways to help farmers.

Terri O'Brien gave an excellent presentation on the accomplishments of the National Guard units serving in Iraq. She stated she was not here as a military representative but as a mother and wife of 4 who are serving in our military. She has been educating herself on what our military are doing in Iraq and is the Family Ready Script Leader for her husband Mike's 1074 Unit. She explained the differences between the Suni and Shiite's. The Kurd's occupy 20-25% of Iraq and are disheartened with Hussein's hanging because they do not feel it was justice for the Kurd's. Terri stated that mistakes in the war have caused deaths of our soldiers, but that we must separate our soldiers from our government.

Terri is planning a return ceremony for the 1074 Unit hopefully for this coming October. Meetings are held and the families are briefed for what their unit is doing. Counseling by Dr. Karning is provided for families of soldiers. They work to empower families to support our soldiers. Terri discussed how negative press is not helpful to our soldiers. She said what should be the focus to help the soldiers is sharing what good they have done in Iraq. Some of the things our soldiers are working to accomplish include water purification systems, providing school supplies, providing medical facilities for trauma and burns, and using a referral system from Iraq hospitals and military facilities. They have handed out supplies to the schools and water is now flowing to many homes and irrigation systems thanks to our soldiers. Soldiers provide safety for convoys which have delivered millions of gallons of fuel and supplies to the people and communities in Iraq where people there previously went without.

Another example of negative press that Terri discussed was of Cindy Sheehan who received weeks of press from the loss of her son and her protest over the war. Sgt. Metheny of the 1074 Unit from McCook who also has siblings in Iraq did not receive that kind of publicity for his efforts. CNN never showed anything about the Metheny family. Terri also read an e-mail sent home by one of the soldiers stationed with Metheny.

Terri stated that the last update on the whereabouts of the 1074 Unit was in December. The 1074th is divided into 5 sections: headquarters, maintenance, and 3 Platoons (Broken Bow, Ogallala and North Platte, and Sidney). She is very proud to be the mother and wife of soldiers.

Terry McCord with Panhandle Area Development District discussed surveys that were to be e-mailed. He explained how wind energy is underutilized in Nebraska, especially since we are the 6th windiest state. We are 28th in the nation for use of wind energy.

Old Business was discussed.

• Nathan stated the fireworks cost $1750.00. There will be twice as many shells fired as previously thought.
• Also there are plans with the Eagles to do mouse races for St. Patrick's Day. Some of the proceeds will go toward the firework fund and Chamber will be helping with advertising for the event.
• The Regional West Grant letter of support has been sent. The Chamber will donate $100.00 and the Grant is to match the funds toward community planning.
• Farm and Ranch days report was given by Jack Nerud. There were 32 exhibitors and 3 who were waiting for a booth which cost $150.00 per booth.

Community Reports were given.

• The Retail Meeting was rescheduled for February 21 at 8am at Budaroo's.
• Don Bentley stated that Ardena Regier should be praised for her work on the tourism committee.
• Jesse Bell served as the school liaison and wanted to thank the Chamber for their help with the Revved up for Reading program. Several business members had gone to classes during the program to sponsor each reading group which is named after a car. The reading groups are part of the Direct Instruction Program and the Program's goal is to have every student reading at or above grade level by the time they leave the Elementary School. Jesse also invited Chamber to attend the Science Fair February 26th from 5-7pm. Also the school and hospital have teamed up and have received a grant from AHEC to certify students' grades 6-12 in CPR which will take place in March. Next year the High School would like to start a work/study program for Juniors and Seniors. A sign up sheet was passed around for businesses who would like to receive more information on the program.
• Ron Shearer discussed the change in officers and other duties for the Sheriff's Department. Marlis Shearer described the Hometown Competitiveness Program and developing leadership. She stated that the new Nurse Practitioner who is coming has learned about our community from our website.

In New Business the following people signed up to participate on the committee's that still needed filled:

• Christmas Committee: Bobbi Tophoj and Penny Vincent
• Fundraising Committee: Terri McCord and Todd Royston join Nathan Loyd and Mike Sullivan
• Beautification Committee: Jesse Bell and Terri O'Brien join Bonnie Eckles and Kathy Wellman

A motion to adjourn was made by Todd Royston and seconded by Jack Nerud. The meeting adjourned at 8:05pm.

Next Meeting: March 15, 2007 at the S&S.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jesse Belle, Secretary

Archives of previous Meeting Minutes:
Garden County Chamber of Commerce Archives of Minutes