The CatalystCatalyst Issue 363 www.thecolumbuspage.com

December 2014

News of the Columbus Area Chamber of CommerceNews of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce

December 9th 5:30 Reception 6:30 Dinner Ramada—Columbus

The Archway Award for outstanding businessman is given to Dennis Hirschbrunner. After a distinguished 40 year career in engineering, Dennis retired in 2010 as executive vice president and national director of marketing for HDR’s engineering operating company. He served as a member of the HDR corporate management team. The Archway is presented by Columbus Tire & Service Center.

The Ovation Award as outstanding businesswoman is presented by Ernst Auto Center/Ernst Toyota to Gail Wurdeman. Gail began her own business in 1974 as a sales representative firm for retailers. She maintained a showroom at the Denver Merchandise Mart for 34 years, until moving back to her hometown of Columbus. She was the first woman to have a showroom at the Mart and is the longest tenant in the history of the Mart.

The Farnham Volunteer of the Year is Jo Suess. Jo has been a long-time volunteer for Sertoma, St. Isidore, Scotus, and the Columbus Area Chamber. She is chairperson for Red, White, Kaboom! and arranges stage entertainment for Columbus Days. First Nebraska Bank presents the Farnham Award.

Hall of Fame Class of 2014

Noyes C. Rogers came to Columbus in 1943 and founded the Rogers Motor Company. Noyes was a trustee on the University of Nebraska Foundation, a director of the First National Bank and Trust, and a director of the General Telephone Company of the Midwest. Noyes

was Chamber President in 1947. Noyes received the Chamber’s Outstanding Community Service Award in 1976 and was selected as King Ferdinand IV in 1978. Charles "Chuck" Sand founded Sand Livestock

Systems, Inc. in 1969 and revolutionized the pork industry. Sand became the world's largest builder of swine products facilities. Sand was the first company to

build modern swine productions systems in the People's Republic of China and at one time produced over 1 million pigs a year. He was inducted into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame in 2000. Frank Zybach’s family moved to Columbus soon

after his birth in 1894. He invented center-pivot irrigation systems in 1949 while a wheat farmer in Strasburg, CO and received the patent in 1952 for “self-propelled sprinkling irrigation apparatus.”

Returning to Columbus, he built 19 units in 1953-54. He sold the patent to Robert Daugherty in 1954, beginning what would become Valmont. Gustavus G. Becher, Jr. was a Pawnee Scout

officer, and founder of Becher/Hockenberger/Chambers, which in turn sponsored Columbus Land, Loan & Building Co. The original firm would evolve

into Becher-Curry Co. in later years. He served in the state legislature in 1895.

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In This Issue… Business Hall of Fame 1

Holiday Giveaway 2 Commodore Calls 3 Gold Members 4 Columbus Bucks 4 Manufacturing Day 4 Santa Claus 5 Business After Hours 5 December Investments 5 Industry In Education 6 New Members 6 Holiday Basketball 7

This publication is distributed monthly to Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce Members and Stakeholders Published monthly by the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. Dues include $2 per year subscription for your Catalyst

Chamber Staff K.C. Belitz President

Sandie Fischer Events Planner, Entrepreneur/Membership Developer

Dee Hanson Workforce Coordinator

Deb Loseke Director, Convention & Visitors Bureau

Sharyle Sands Vice President

Holiday Giveaway = FREE MONEY! The 10th annual Holiday Giveaway is underway with FREE MONEY to give away!!

Any $50 purchase of Columbus Bucks means $5 free through December 23rd, or until the supply of “sale-priced” Columbus Bucks are gone. A limited amount of Columbus Bucks will be “on sale” and when they’re gone…they’re gone. Columbus Bucks are the best way to guarantee that dollars are spent locally. They can be spent like cash in any Columbus Area Chamber member. The Chamber’s Retail & Services Division has seen a tremendous response to this promotion every year and they know this keeps more dollars circulating with local merchants for the holiday season. Last year, $35,000 were put into the local merchants through the Holiday Giveaway! Corporate Sponsors for the Holiday Giveaway include…

Dale Employees Credit Union

Treasures

Bob's U-Save Pharmacy

Party Palace & Gift Shop

Columbus Music

K-C Auto Supply

J's Hallmark

Doozy's

Barbara Jean's

Lavendar Thyme

Kay's Place for Massage Therapy

Lynette's Dance Studio

Tooley Drug & Home Care

Little Caesar’s Pizza

Fast Mart

Super Saver

Curry Brothers Motorsports

Office Net

Eakes Office Solutions

Seasons Floral & Gifts

Crown Jewelry

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The Goodwill Arm of the Chamber

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CHAMBER COMMODORES

Galvan Computer Repair Ribbon Cutting Jason Galvan and the Commodores

Trev’s Computer Repair New Member Skipper Steve Snider and Trev Zuerlein

Nebraska Central Railroad New Member Eldon Vohs, Michael Koile and the Commodores

Marathon Press New Member Rob Merrill, Tony Maxey and the Commodores

Deets Home Store New Member Ron Deets and the Commodores

NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska Member Visit John Lohr, Roger Nadrchal, Skipper Steve Snider and Brian Christensen

Imagine That Scrap-booking & Gifts/Artsy Haven Ribbon Cutting Janet Schmitz, Audra Jedlicka, Rachel Lade & the Commodores

Sip Espresso Bar Ribbon Cutting Brooke Griffiths, Jill Tate & the Commodores

Connecting Point Ribbon Cutting Tony Kresha, Employees of Connecting Point and the Commodores

Columbus News Team Ribbon Cutting Mike Flood, employees of Columbus News Team and the Commodores

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Columbus Bucks

Don’t forget to use Columbus Bucks

during this Holiday season. Gift givers can

purchase them in increments of $5 at the

Chamber of Commerce. Chamber member businesses

simply accept them in payment, endorse them and deposit them like a

check. It couldn’t be easier!

For more information

contact Sharyle Sands at 402-564-2769.

Through the Holiday

Loan program at Columbus Bank, you can borrow $500-$5,000 in Columbus Bucks for up to two years. For more

details, contact Tim Tarnick at Columbus Bank: 402-564-1234.

Thank You Gold Members! AAA Nebraska : Josh Kay Altruist Wealth Partners: Craig Garbers ARL Credit Services Inc.: Richard Jablonski Columbus Counseling Services, LLC: Lori Carde Columbus Home Builders Association: Kelly Lovci Columbus News Team: Mike Flood Columbus Tour & Travel: Roxanne Spady Community Internet Systems: Paul Schumacher & Linda Aerni Corner Stop: Jed Brunken Cornhusker Public Power District: Clay Gibbs Eakes Office Plus: Larry Anderson Harmony Health & Wellness, LLC: Kim Harm Husker Steel: Mike Rowe IBEW/NECA: Allan Hale Imagine That Scrapbooking & Gifts: Audra Jedlicka JobsGuide, LLC: Kathy Flavell Mike's Auto Sales & Towing: Mike Fleming Norfolk Ear, Nose & Throat, P.C.: Brenda Rueb Shred Monster Inc.: Brad Stirek Sleep Inn & Suites Hotel: Lori Murray State Farm Insurance/Shelley Stempek Trev's Computer Repair: Trev Zuerlein Vishay Dale: Keith Raysby Z Last Electric, LLC: Dan & Darrell Olmer

2015 Weather Outlook

Chamber Agribusiness Committee will welcome

back State Climatologist Al Dutcher with his

weather outlook for forecast for 2015. Dutcher

will be speak at the committee’s meeting 12pm,

Dec. 9th, at the Chamber office. Lunch will be

available for purchase and RSVP’s are

appreciated.

F r a n k f o r t

S q u a r e

Catalyst

Business After Hours A Strictly Social Chamber Event

Monday, December 15

Hosted by

4774 33rd Avenue

5 PM - 6:30 PM

Enjoy wine tasting from Prairie Creek Vineyards.

Bring your business card for various drawings.

Please join us!

Visit Santa in His House!

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Thursdays 6-8pm Saturdays & Sundays 1-5pm

2 7 th A v e & 1 3 th S t.

December Investments We thank our members for their

membership investment

Aaron's Sales & Lease Ownership:

Jessica Mullins

Arby's Roast Beef: Larry Anderson

Bellevue University - Grand Island

Campus: Curt Vodehnal

Central Confinement: Mark Gearhart

Cherry Creek Plaza: Jed Brunken

Columbus Home Builders Association:

Kelly Lovci

Commonwealth Electric Company:

Jamey Beck

Country Mile Veterinary Services:

John Claus

Dick & Dotte's Property LLC, DBA

Gabriel': Rich Jablonski

Earl May Nursery & Garden Center:

Justin Tumblin

Edward Jones: Kurt Kuhlman

JnJ Vapor: Jason Jakub

Kiwanis Club: Jim Schaefer

KUSO: Mike Flood

Magnum Electric: Jon Abegglen

Marley's Electric: Marlin Frauendorfer

Midlands Claim Service: Leland Becher

Northwestern Mutual: Nathan Karges

Offroad Company: Justin Stenger

Platte Valley Playhouse: Jamie Ferguson

Prairie Village Retirement Center:

Connie Thomas

Private Security Consultants:

Wayne Jacobsen

ServiceMaster by Shevlin: Kurt Shevlin

Shenanigans: Tim Long

State Farm Insurance:

Michael Brittenham

Stavas, Joe

Stock Realty & Auction Co.:

Linda Wieseman

Subway: Marv Rosberg

UNICO Group of Columbus: Bob Wick

Victor Outdoor Advertising:

Jeremy Leonard

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Welcome New Members! Marathon Press

Tony Maxey 1500 Square Turn Blvd. Norfolk, NE 68701 (402) 371-5040 tonym@marathonpress.net www.marathonpress.com Friend of Columbus Sponsor: Sandie Fischer

Venter Consulting Service Dean Venter 5209 41st St. Columbus, NE 68601 (402) 564-4000 venterconsulting@frontier.com Consultants Sponsor: Gail Wurdeman

Pawnee Bar Ron Sedlak 653 33rd Ave., Columbus, NE 68601 (402) 564-7779 Restaurants & Lounges Sponsor: Amy Blaser

Nebraska Safety Council Terry Holt 3243 Cornhusker Hwy Ste. A10, Lincoln NE 68504 (402) 483-2511 Fax - (402) 483-2513 tholt@nesafetycouncil.org www.nesafetycouncil.org Education & Schools Sponsor: Sandie Fischer

Industry In Education Event a Success!

Juniors and Seniors again got a visit from Industry in this fall’s version of Industry in Education. The 3-day program focused on stressing the importance of soft skills and teamwork in the workplace, and being career and college ready. Industry in Education culminated with a day of mock job interviews conducted by representatives from our Columbus Business Community. All told, over 300 students from Columbus High, Lakeview and Scotus were able to learn from Industry, and better prepare themselves for their future role in the world of work. This program would not have been possible without the commitment of time and talents from our local industry volunteers. THANK YOU to all who helped to make Industry in Education Day a Success!

“I feel so much more prepared and confident for interviews and

having someone look at my resume.”

“I had no idea what to put on a resume or what to do for an interview, so I

learned both of those things.” “Being put on the spot by an

unexpected question will mean I’m more prepared in the future.”

Senator Paul Schumacher and the

Chamber are presenting an interesting look at Platte County’s future. Dr. Jerry

Deichert from UNO’s Center for Public Affairs Research, presents “Platte County Data Reveals the Present & Future.” Dr.

Deichert will review current county demographics and look ahead at the future

for our region.

The program starts with lunch at 11:30am on Dec. 11th at the Chamber. Lunch and

program cost $8. Contact the Chamber to RSVP.

The Future of Platte County

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The 33rd Annual Holiday Basketball Tournament, coordinated by the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held December 29th and 30th at Lakeview High School. Thank you to all advertisers and team sponsors of this year's tournament - without your support, it would not be possible to continue this great holiday tradition.

Monday, Dec. 29 Varsity: 1:00 p.m. - Scotus v. Twin River girls 2:45 p.m. – Scotus v. Twin River boys 6:00 p.m. – Lakeview v. Schuyler girls 7:45 p.m. – Lakeview v. Schuyler boys Junior Varsity: 1:00 p.m. - Scotus v. Twin River boys 2:45 p.m. – Scotus v. Twin River girls 6:00 p.m. – Lakeview v. Schuyler boys 7:45 p.m. – Lakeview v. Schuyler girls

Tuesday, Dec. 30 Varsity: 1:00 p.m. - Girls Consolation Game 2:45 p.m. - Boys Consolation Game 6:00 p.m. - Girls Championship Game 7:45 p.m. - Boys Championship Game Junior Varsity: 1:00 p.m. - Boys Consolation Game 2:45 p.m. - Girls Consolation Game 6:00 p.m. - Boys Championship Game 7:45 p.m. - Girls Championship Game

Corporate Sponsors

Calendar of Events… December 2014

Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce 753 33rd Ave - P.O. Box 515 Columbus, NE 68602-0515

402.564.2769 Fax: 402.564.2026 chamber@megavision.com www.thecolumbuspage.com

2 BIE Chamber 7:00am

2 Commodore Call Boys Town 10:00am

4 Commodores Center for Survivors 10:00am

8 Agribusiness Committee Chamber 12:00pm

9 Commodore Call City Transfer Station 10:00am

9 Business Hall of Fame Banquet

Ramada-Columbus 5:30pm

10 Eship Task Force Chamber 9:00am

11 Platte County Convention & Visitors Committee

Chamber 8:00am

11 Platte County Demographics: Now & In the Future

Chamber 11:30am

15 Business After Hours Bank of the Valley 5:00pm

16 Finance Chamber 7:00am

16 Commodores Union Bank & Trust 10:00am

17 Holiday Basketball HyVee 7:00am

17 Transportation Ramada-Columbus 12:00pm

22 Quality of Life Centers Chamber 10:00am

22 Board of Directors Chamber 12:00pm

24 Happy Holidays— Chamber Closed

25 Happy Holidays— Chamber Closed

29-30 Holiday Basketball Lakeview

2014-2015 Board of Directors

Mark Mercer

Chairman of the Board Joe Steffensmeier

Chair-Elect Joe Steffensmeier

Promotions Division Chairman

Steve Line Community Development

Division Chairman Steven Dewald

Business Development Division Chairman

Jaci Tessendorf Internal Affairs

Division Chairman Bill Flint

Treasurer Chris Nelson

Past Chairperson Travis Bock John Cimpl

Chad Dyhrkopp Bill Flint

Clay Gibbs Dennis Grennan

Dr. Troy Loeffelholz Steve Line

Pat Pope Dianne Wall

Ex-Officio Members Mayor Mike Moser City of Columbus Jerry Engdahl Platte County Steve Snider Commodores Bernie Hansen NE Dept of Labor

Mission Statement The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce: Enhancing the economic well-being and quality of life in the Columbus Area.

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