YOUR CHAMBER THIS WEEK

Chamber to Host 'Mayor for a Day' Essay Contest

In partnership with the City of Grand Island, the Chamber is conducting a contest for Grand Island sixth graders. Students are being asked to write an essay answering two questions: “Why do you love living in Grand Island? And what changes would you make by 2030 to make the city even better?”

With $500 in prizes funded by the Chamber Foundation, the top essays will receive monetary awards with the winning author being named “Mayor for a Day” by Mayor Roger Steele at a May 20 press event. Read more.

Chamber's 'Coffee Connections' Series Begins May 15

On Wednesday, May 15, the Grand Island Chamber will launch its “Coffee Connections” series. Here are the details regarding this networking and member-education opportunity for Chamber partners:

• What: Coffee Connections will feature 30-minute, informational presentations on topics of interest to Grand Island and its business community. Speakers will be subject-matter experts. There will be time for networking before and following the presentation.
• When and Where: Coffee Connections will take place the third Wednesday of each month. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m. -- with presentations starting at 8 a.m. -- at The Chocolate Bar (116 W 3rd Street). Specialty coffee and light breakfast items will be available for purchase. Regular coffee will be available at no cost, courtesy of our sponsors.
• Cost: These events are free of charge for all Chamber members, but please RSVP.

The May 15 Coffee Connections presentation will be on the EPIC Option Consumption Tax proposal. Our speaker will be Jim Vokal, CEO of the Platte Institute, a Nebraska-based think tank that promotes pro-growth policies. The May 15 presentation is being sponsored by Pinnacle Bank and The Chocolate Bar.

Update: Central Nebraska Regional Airport Activity

The following is information from the Central Nebraska Regional Airport for Q1 2024.

EDGE

The Chamber’s sixth EDGE cohort is well underway having most recently completed critical-thinking and conflict-resolution workshops. The 18 participants have made a commitment to self-reflection and have identified areas of growth in their careers. Businesses represented in this cohort include AGI, Amur, Central NE Community Action Partnership, Chief Industries, CMBA, CNH Industrial, Eakes, Five Points Bank, Hornady, and Willow Rising. Participants have met weekly for in-person workshops and will graduate from this essential-skills program May 1.

Results From Grand Island Chamber Survey

Last month, the Grand Island Chamber surveyed members in an effort to gather feedback on the Chamber’s services and events. Survey results have been tallied — and here are some of the key findings:

• Nearly 77% of respondents said the Chamber was “doing great” or “doing well” in meeting expectations.
• Nearly 80% of respondents named the Chamber’s newsletter and other communications as the service they value most.
• Networking events (such as business after-hours and ribbon cuttings) and community development efforts were also mentioned by more than half of respondents as most-valued services.
• Nearly 60% of respondents said workforce (talent attraction and retention) was the biggest challenge facing their business.

In the coming months, the Chamber will be announcing and implementing new initiatives in response to member input. Thanks to all Chamber partners who took time to participate in our survey.

82nd Harvest of Harmony

Sponsored by Century 21 Realty

Upcoming Chamber Events

Upcoming Partner Events

April 25

Mosaic's Partners in Possibilities Fundraising Event

April 25 and May 2, 9

Survivorship 101: Cancer Rehab Program

April 26-27

Nebraska Bigfoot Conference

May 1

Pirnie Inclusive Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

May 2

2024 Go Big GIVE

May 9

Mosaic - Discover the Possibilities Lunch and Tour

May 11

Hideout Mother's Day Event

As a Grand Island Chamber partner, you have access to a no cost and easy way to promote career opportunities at your business by using the Chamber website. To see the current list of job opportunities, click here.

To post a career opportunity, simply log in to your Chamber account. Keep in mind that the Chamber is routinely promoting these job openings on our social media to ensure our partners' postings are being seen throughout Nebraska.

Blauhorn Law

Injured in a Car Accident?

Call Us Today!

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident by a negligent driver, schedule your free consultation with us today. Blauhorn Law works on a contingency fee, meaning that you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket for a lawyer, rather we receive a percentage of the settlement amount when we win the case. Insurance companies will contact you and give you a lowball offer, don’t settle for less than you are entitled to under the law. Studies show that those who hire an attorney receive four times as much in compensation than those who handle it on their own. Give us a call at 402-215-3025 or email rene@blauhornlaw.com.

Kitchen Tune-Up

Spring Drawer Upgrade Event

Save Up to $1,000

Add roll-out trays and other accessories to help organize your kitchen and improve ease of use. Take advantage of our Drawer Upgrade Event and save as much as $1,000!

Contact us at 402-366-9765 today!

Cutting Edge Cleaning Service

Cleaning Done Right Every Time!

Check out our company website! Our website will show you all the services we offer and more! Request an estimate today!

Don't forget to check out our new video on the website to hear about our company.

Central Community College

Train for a Career in Plastic Injection Molding

What do a cell phone, toothbrush, medical syringe, and a cup all have in common? They are all made of plastic. Plastics are essential components in our modern life. Central Community College in Columbus, Nebraska offers a 12-credit certificate in Plastics Engineering Technology, focusing on injection molding.

If you are looking for an opportunity to kick-start your life, think plastic! Apply to be part of this program today. To register, contact Melissa Wortmann at melissawortmann@cccneb.edu or (402) 562-1409.

At the CCC plastics lab, you will:

• Learn “scientific” molding from qualified plastics instructors

• Get hours of hands-on training in a state-of-the-art plastics lab

• Train for high-demand, high paying jobs

• Connect with potential employers from the molding industry

• Earn a certificate that can be laddered into a diploma or degree program

For more information, please visit: http://catalog.cccneb.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=48&poid=17197&returnto=4824. 

Plastic Injection Molding Workshops

Join us for a series of intensive plastics training workshops. You will learn polymer science, plastic processing, machine operation, and much more. These workshops will prepare you to enter many high-paying jobs in the plastics industry or help you advance in your current career. You’ll gain exposure to potential employers with great-paying job opportunities and receive hands-on and classroom training.

Location & Cost: 

Central Community College Columbus - North Education Building

Room: 973

8 a.m.—5 p.m.

Trainer: Craig Potthast and Karl Anderson

Certified RJG Trainers

For more information, please visit https://www.cccneb.edu/moldingworkshops.

Bellevue University

Earn Your Management Degree from Bellevue University

Did you know you can transfer your ENTIRE associate's degree to Bellevue University? Earn your bachelor's degree in less time when you don't have to repeat classes! Check out these great degrees to enhance your career!

Bachelors Degrees

Management: https://www.bellevue.edu/degrees/bachelor/management-bs/ 

Project Management: https://www.bellevue.edu/degrees/bachelor/project-management-bs/

Management of Human Resources: https://www.bellevue.edu/degrees/bachelor/management-human-resources-bs/

Sport Management: https://www.bellevue.edu/degrees/bachelor/sport-management-bs/

Ready to move forward? Contact me today!

Curt Vodehnal

Relationship Manager

cvodehnal@bellevue.edu

308-381-8988

American Fence Company

Custom Cedar Wood Fence Panels Special

Look at these beautiful custom fence panels. They are 8 feet across by 6 feet tall. They are made with cedar pickets and 2x4 fir rails. They run $75.00 per panel, and our quality and price beats the local big box stores. Pre-order yours today and we can even store them until spring if you need us to. Call our Grand Island location today at 308-395-0793 ext. 435 and ask for Nate.

CHI Health St. Francis

Survivorship 101: Cancer Rehab Program

CHI Health's free cancer rehabilitation program helps survivors regain their physical, emotional, and spiritual health after treatment. 

Cancer Survivorship 101, facilitated by specially-trained nurses and mental health practitioners, is a 9-week holistic program starting in March at Good Samaritan and St. Francis. Weekly sessions offer practical guidance for the next steps after treatment, including research-based advice on topics like nutrition, exercise, coping skills, and healing. The small, supportive group setting provides opportunities to ask questions and share insights.

Evidence shows that Cancer Survivorship 101 reduces depression and anxiety, while increasing hope, resilience, quality of life, and happiness. 

Mosaic

Partners in Possibilities Fundraising Event

Save the date for a one-hour event and discover how you can help Mosaic further its mission of relentlessly pursuing opportunities that empower people. Lunch will be provided.

Midwest Restaurant Supply & Kitchen Super Store

Best Way to "Break the Ice"

Time to get ready to "break through the ice" with a NEW ice machine or service on existing machine.

With a wide range of options, you will have no trouble finding an ice maker machine suited to your needs and wishes at a reasonable price.

YOUR Selection & Service Superstore