Garden County Nebraska

GardenCoNe.com

Oshkosh, Lewellen, Lisco

Garden County Chamber of Commerce
September 20, 2007 Meeting
Jesse Bell, Secretary

The GC Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting was held Thursday, September 20, 2007 at the Garden County High School in the upper computer lab. Dinner was at 6:30pm and was catered by the Lisco Old-timers.

The meeting was called to order at 7pm by Vice President Todd Royston.

Jennifer Stanczyk of the Hometown Competitiveness Entrepreneur Pillar spoke first. Jennifer stated that 12 businesses had been interviewed so far and others will be interviewed at some point throughout the process. The interviews were completed to determine the needs of local businesses. The overall need voiced was for marketing. Businesses also felt they needed training, especially for new owners. Five priorities for the Entrepreneur Pillar have been identified by the group. 1) Need for an "Edge" class for owners which teaches planning and leadership; there is a class in the winter in Ogallala 2) Marketing Class 3) To work with the Business Center for business transfers to new owners; Ingrid Battershell is the contact person and there is a transition for students into businesses such as agriculture as well 4) Using the VOA for resources and successful models for homebuilding 5) Encouraging fundraising groups to support local businesses.

The Garden County HomeTown Competiveness (HTC) group has a site online that they use to keep each other and the public informed of their activities. It is an interactive site and is called a "blog". The public is encouraged to access the site and participate in the discussions. It is at http://gardencohtc.wordpress.com .

There is an online survey that you can reach from the blog for businesses or community individuals involved with businesses to complete. The service will compile the data and report the findings. Contact Jennifer Stanczyk for more information about the survey. If you would like help with the survery, or if you don't have access to a computer this can be done at one of the schools. Connie Hancock talked about the website for the HTC. The blog lists each committee, work plans, and what they have done thus far. Connie is with the Nebraska Extension Office and works with the HTC.

If you feel you can benefit from any of the services provided by the Hometown Competitiveness project, contact Jennifer Stanczyk, Don Bentley, Cindy Bloomfield, Don Orr, Candace Neilson, Rex Miller, Janet Shaul, Gerri Nelson, or any other current member. Their goal is to work as a group. There are 5 pillars for the THC and anyone can join. Meetings are monthly.

Trish Davison asked if there was a survey that could benefit businesses that questioned individuals who had moved away and then moved back to Garden County. She stated there is a large population of people who have moved back within the last 5 years that may have input that would be helpful as far as what barriers they have encountered. At this time the surveys used only question businesses but this option could be explored for further surveys.

Motion made by Jack Nerud to pass the August minutes, seconded by Jesse. Motion passed.

Todd and the group thanked Bonnie for eight years of support as this will be her last meeting.

Don Bentley spoke for the Tourism committee. He stated more current picture are needed for the flyers if anyone has any. Give them to Don.

Ron Shearer spoke for the commissioners and stated he is awaiting a call from the NE Director of Agriculture and are hoping for the governor to visit during Fall Festival.

Todd stated we received $40.00 from the Lisco Days Committee for placing 1st with the Chamber float in the Lisco Days parade. It was motioned by Kathleen Loyd and seconded by Jim McKeeman to donate it back. Motion passed.

Buddy Paulsen is looking for volunteers to hang cornstocks on posts for Fall Festival.

Bonnie Eckles stated we had motioned to charge vendors $10 for their booths at the festival and after contacting Buddy it was determined that he had told businesses there would be no charge. A motion was made by Gladys to start charging vendors for the 2008 Festival, seconded by Bonnie. Motion carried.

Gladys stated that there will be a meeting in Bridgeport on October 1st for the High Plains Community Website. Cabela's in Sidney started the ball rolling on this web site when prospective employees stated that they were unable to find needed and critical information for relocating their families to the Nebraska Panhandle. The High Plains Community Web Site is planned to help newcomers (and established residents) find needed information in the Panhandle area. Things like available housing, jobs, services and businesses have been discussed for inclusion. This meeting will be for each community in the Panhandle area to give their input to the web site creators about the content each would like to see included on the site. A survey was posted online to be filled in before the Oct. 1st meeting, and Gladys brought a copy in to have others help with the answers. Todd Royston will be our major contact person for the Garden County area in the future, and Marlis Shearer will be representing our area at the Bridgeport meeting.

Marlis and Ron Shearer volunteered to help with the concession stand at the October 13th Alumni Volleyball tournament. Todd and Julie Royston and Nate Loyd are also helping. Other volunteers are welcome.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10pm.

Submitted Respectfully,

Jesse Bell, GC Chamber Secretary

Next Meeting
October 18, 2007
Location: TBA

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