Your Chamber This Week: April 8

April 8 - 12

YOUR CHAMBER THIS WEEK

GI Set to Host SkillsUSA Competition

On April 11, more than 1,500 students from across the state will converge at the Fonner Park campus and Heartland Events Center to compete in the 2024 SkillsUSA Nebraska Championships. The Chamber is partnering with SkillsUSA to help grow Nebraska’s talent pool by preparing middle school, high school, and college students for technical, skilled, and service careers.

All contests will be run with the help of industry, trade associations, and labor organizations, using test competencies set by national industry standards. The public is invited to watch the contests. Admission is free. Many Chamber partners have already volunteered to coordinate and judge the various student competitions. If you are available and would like to volunteer, email the Chamber.

Check out the Sheep Barn events, Five Points Bank Arena events, Heartland Events Center events, and Pinnacle Bank Building events.

Coming to Grand Island

In the coming days and weeks, Grand Island will be hosting the following events:

SkillsUSA, Fonner Park, April 11-13
Nebraska Bigfoot Conference, Aurora Cooperative Pavilion, April 26-27
Fonner Park Car Show, Heartland Events Center, May 4
Spring Dazzle Craft Show, Heartland Events Center, May 4
AKC Dog Show, Pinnacle Bank Expo, May 11-12

New Benefit for Members: Weekly Leadership Briefing

Last month's survey of Grand Island Chamber partners found that 80% of members highly value the organization’s weekly communications — the most-often mentioned service on the survey.

That’s why the Chamber is unveiling a new publication this Friday, May 12. The GI Chamber’s weekly “Leadership Briefing” will provide valuable business-related guidance to company leaders and employees, as well as updates on key local, state, and national developments that could impact your operations. Watch your inbox for this new members-only resource.

Chamber Benefit: Workers' Comp Discount Program

According to Todd Price with Chamber partner Ryder Rosacker McCue and Huston, Accident Fund Insurance Company — which specializes in workers' compensation coverage — has a scheduled a discount for Chamber members. They also provide a dividend based on individual claims history. This month, more than $8,800 in dividends is being delivered to Chamber partners.

The Chamber urges interested members to have a discussion with their broker to understand how this workers' compensation program could benefit their business. Use the Chamber’s business directory to find a broker if you don’t already have one.

Welcome New Chamber Partners

The following organizations have joined the Chamber in recent weeks:

Americom Communications – Americom Communications is a Midwestern leader in the field of artificial intelligence in the workplace, with an extensive background in business telephone systems and network connectivity and security.
Bert’s Commercial Cleaning – Bert’s Commercial Cleaning is a locally-based, customer-focused company interested in growing their client base.
Trinity Lutheran School – Trinity Lutheran’s students receive a strong, balanced education reinforced with wholesome values.
White Lotus Group – White Lotus Group is a real estate development firm that specializes in both development and management of large properties.

The Grand Island Chamber is always looking for additional partners to help support current members and the Chamber's mission. New member applications can be found here.

Notice: Business Specials are Moving

To reduce the volume of emails sent by the Grand Island Chamber, the "Business Specials" publication will soon be consolidated into the Chamber's weekly newsletter.

Business Specials will remain posted on the Chamber's website, and the process of posting a Business Special will remain the same.

Save the Date: 2024 Golf Outing

Notice: Price for Chamber e-Blasts Will Go Up July 1

The Grand Island Chamber’s broadcast email program — known as our e-blasts or “Partner News” program — is a popular member service. Reserved exclusively for Chamber partners, e-blasts reach more than 2,000 inboxes, allowing members to announce their company’s or organization’s services, special events, or other news.

After about a decade with no increase, the price of the Chamber’s e-blasts will go up July 1, from $150 to $200.

With this move comes added value. Not only will e-blasts be emailed to more than 2,000 Chamber partners (not including forwarded emails), Chamber staff will also post these announcements to the Chamber’s social media channels — Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter). That means more than 8,000 Chamber followers will see your company's announcement on social media alone.

'Good Life Districts' Legislation Advances

Nebraska lawmakers recently gave first-round approval to a measure that would allow communities, by a public vote, to provide a tax benefit for unique retail developments.

Included in LB 1317 is the Good Life District Economic Development Act, which would alter the rules for so-called Good Life Districts to permit half of the state’s sales tax — 2.75% — to be foregone and used to finance development costs that would attract new-to-market retailers and out-of-state shoppers. Grand Island is among the communities seeking a Good Life District designation. The Chamber and its Grow Grand Island partners have been heavily involved in efforts to ensure Grand Island's Good Life District application has a strong chance of being approved.

Media reports note that this effort marks a change in state policy by providing state tax incentives for retail development.

Study: Nebraska 15th Worst for Overall Tax Burden

As Tax Day approaches, a new study finds Nebraska has the 15th largest tax burden among the 50 states. WalletHub ranked Nebraska as 10th worst in property taxes, 20th worst in income taxes, and 32nd worst for sales taxes.

Nebraska's overall tax competitiveness rankings could improve in the near future, according to the conservative Platte Institute, following the Legislature's approval of major property tax and income tax reforms last year.

Legislature Strikes 18% Sales Tax Hike From Tax Shift Plan

In case you missed it, the Nebraska Legislature last week narrowly advanced Gov. Jim Pillen's property tax relief plan (LB 388) to second-round consideration, but only after the Revenue Committee chair, Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, agreed to strip a proposed 18% spike in state sales taxes.

Linehan said LB 388 didn’t have the votes to advance if it included the sales tax increase following opposition from the Grand Island Chamber and other key business organizations, including the Nebraska Chamber — which has noted that inflation is making sales and income tax costs rise as quickly as property tax valuations. As of the deadline for this newsletter, it was unclear whether LB 388 would be debated again during the Legislature’s current session, which is set to conclude April 18.

Legislature May Tweak Property Tax Subsidy

As part of Gov. Jim Pillen's plan to increase state aid to help offset local property taxes, Nebraska lawmakers are considering legislation (LB 1331) to double the amount of state foundational aid sent to school districts, from $1,500 per student to $3,000.

LB 1331 would also “front load” state income tax credits that subsidize taxpayers' local property tax expenses. Officials say the income tax credit isn't being claimed by all taxpayers, as this story notes. LB 1331 would ensure the income tax credit appears on annual property tax statements.

Small Business Week Summit, April 30 and May 1

National Small Business Week is April 28 - May 4. On April 30 and May 1, the U.S. Small Business Administration will host a no-cost, two-day virtual summit for small business owners and employees. Registration is required. Grand Island Chamber partners are urged to participate to receive expert advice and downloadable resources. Learn more and register .

Experts to Employers: Prepare for OSHA Walkaround Rule

As reported previously, OSHA has finalized its controversial “walkaround rule,” which would give union representatives the ability to accompany OSHA inspectors during a facility walkaround, regardless of whether the representative is an employee or the facility is unionized. While the rule will likely be challenged in court, employers are urged to consider taking steps now to prepare for it to take effect, experts say.