ISSUE 317ISSUE 317ISSUE 317ISSUE 317 www.thecolumbuspage.comwww.thecolumbuspage.comwww.thecolumbuspage.comwww.thecolumbuspage.com NOVEMBER 2011NOVEMBER 2011NOVEMBER 2011NOVEMBER 2011

News of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce

Community of the CenturyCommunity of the CenturyCommunity of the CenturyCommunity of the Century

United StatesUnited StatesUnited StatesUnited States

Chamber of CommerceChamber of CommerceChamber of CommerceChamber of Commerce

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The Catalyst

ISSUE 327ISSUE 327ISSUE 327ISSUE 327 October 2012October 2012October 2012October 2012 www.thecolumbuspage.comwww.thecolumbuspage.comwww.thecolumbuspage.comwww.thecolumbuspage.com

Go GREEN in 2012! Did YOU know the Catalyst can be emailed to you? Call the Chamber at 402-564-2769 or email chamber@megavision.com & say... “save a tree, send the Catalyst to me electronically!”

Tickets are going fast for the premier event of the fall in Columbus. The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 12th annual "Taste of Columbus" Sunday, October 7th. What always sets “Taste of Columbus” apart is the food-tasting from the Columbus area’s premier food vendors. The list of participating vendors for 2012 includes: Super Saver, 38th Street Coffee, Applebee's, Columbus Commu-nity Hospital, El Tapatio, Elks Country Club, Hy-Vee, Skeeter Barnes, Traditions, Walmart, and Wunderlich's Catering. This year’s raffle item is a stunning diamond pendant donated by Kelly Jewelry and Columbus Hydraulics. The necklace is valued at $5,275 and features 7 diamonds with a total weight of 1.50-carats. You can have a chance to win this beautiful piece for just $10!! The 2012 Royal Auction has a truly wonderful selection of items this year, all of which you can now bid on by

going to the link at www.thecolumbuspage.com. The auc-tion is highlighted by an outstanding trip to New York City, a rare chance to play golf at TPC-Sawgrass, lots of packages for groups of friends, a storage shed, a week in Colorado or in Mexico, and many other wonderful items. The Taste of Columbus committee has partnered with Center for Survivors to participate in the event along with the Chamber. The event will raise funds for both organi-zations, which will allow the Center for Survivors to do needed updates at the Center’s shelter. This year's committee is co-chaired by Bill & Bonnie McPhillips and Sam & Alyssa Hogeland. Tickets are available at the Chamber office or on-line at www.thecolumbuspage.com. They are $30 in advance or $45 at the door on October 7th if any tickets remain avail-able. The event will be held this year at Platte County Ag Park. We hope you will join us for a very special evening to celebrate all that's best about Columbus!

Join us for Join us for Join us for Join us for

Sunday, Oct. 7thSunday, Oct. 7thSunday, Oct. 7thSunday, Oct. 7th 4:304:304:304:30----8:30pm8:30pm8:30pm8:30pm

Platte county Ag ParkPlatte county Ag ParkPlatte county Ag ParkPlatte county Ag Park

In this issue… In this issue… In this issue… In this issue…

Commodore Calls, New Members, 1st Impression Award Winners,

Business Hall of Fame, August Investments, Photo Contest, Vehicle Day,

Leadership Columbus 2012-2013 class, Calendar

Want to see items on

the Royal Auction?

When you do, you’ll

want to bid!

Go to

www.thecolumbuspage.

com/events

The Goodwill Arm The Goodwill Arm The Goodwill Arm The Goodwill Arm

Of the ChamberOf the ChamberOf the ChamberOf the Chamber

COMMODORE CALLSCOMMODORE CALLSCOMMODORE CALLSCOMMODORE CALLS Welcome Welcome Welcome Welcome

New MembersNew MembersNew MembersNew Members

Affluent Wealth Management Brian Kozak

2716 13th St., Columbus (402) 564-6825

Fax - (402) 564-6826 Financial Advisors/Planners

Sponsor: Amy Blaser

Complete Floors, Inc. Jeff & Todd Sock 1019 Monroe Ave. Norfolk, NE 68701

(402) 371-3986 Fax - (402) 371-9751

jeff@completefloors.net www.completefloors.net

Floor Coverings Sponsor: Sandie Fischer

Control Management, Inc.

Frederick Lerouge 3020 18th St., Columbus

(402) 571-9454 Fax - (402) 571-9466

frederick@cmiomaha.com www.cmiomaha.com Friend of Columbus Sponsor: K.C. Belitz

Heartland Communications, LLC

Steve Rerucha 1015 N. 11th St.,

David City, NE 68632 (402) 910-4800

sjr123@windstream.net Telecommunications Service & Equipment

Sponsor: K.C. Belitz

Vetter Health Services, Inc. Pamela Ferrick

20220 Harney Street Elkhorn, NE 68022

(402) 895-3932 Fax - (402) 895-8165

www.vetterhealthservices.com Health Care/Medical Services

Sponsor: Chamber Staff

AAA Nebraska, Member Visit, Skipper Terry Kurtenbach & Josh Kay

Measure of Life, First Dollar,

Roger Wolff & Skipper Terry Kurtenbach

Buckle, Member Visit, Britney Foster & Skipper

Terry Kurtenbach

J’s Hallmark, Ribbon Cutting, KC & Colleen Belitz and the Commodores

Metabolic Research

Center, Ribbon Cutting,

Wendy Harris, Tracey Sanders

& the Commodores

Columbus Rescue Mission, Member Visit, Skipper Terry

Kurtenbach & Ted Pearson

Pat Feehan of

J Patrick’s

Formal Wear/

Awards & Engraving Bob Elsasser,

Vanessa Oceguera, Pat, Mary Novotny

& Mark Mercer

1st Impression Awards

All summer, the Streetscaping Committee has been recognizing businesses who’ve gone above & beyond in projecting a positive first impression to the many guests who visit our com-munity. Small efforts such as keeping weeds at bay and keeping our front doors free of unnec-essary debris and clutter make a huge difference.

These are great opportunities to let people know we are a people of great pride in our homes and businesses and we think Columbus is the best place to live, work, play & praise! In the past weeks, the Streetscaping Committee of the Chamber has presented 1st Impression Awards to the follow-ing businesses. When you visit, let them know their efforts are appreciated!

Jill Zaruba of

Wiggles & Giggles Therapy for Kids Joe Steffensmeier,

Michael Sinovic, Jill, Karla Schaecher & Bob Elsasser

Pat Mueller of

Traditions Inn

Restaurant Chris Nelson, Mark Mercer,

Pat, Vanessa Oceguera, & Bob Elsasser

Roy Kranz of

Sapp Brothers

Columbus Michael Sinovic,

Vanessa Oceguera, Roy, Roxie Sheets, Jessica Garcia &

Mark Mercer

Kathi Hurner of

First National

Bank Chris Nelson, Dave

Wudel, Bob Elsasser, Kathi, Joe

Steffensmeier, & Michael Sinovic

Leadership Columbus

The 22nd annual Leadership Columbus class has kicked off. The purpose of Leadership Co-lumbus is to help build a strong community be exposing the class to community involvement op-portunities. Class members see first-hand the operations of various segments of our commu-nity. In addition, time requirements include outside group assignments, community labs, and op-tional social activities. Our graduates hold leadership positions in the community, and go on to serve on community boards and hold public office. A special thank you to this year’s co-chairs Pat Engel from Cornerstone Insurance and Amanda Jensen from Bank of the West for planning another worthwhile program. Class members and sponsors include:

Shane Fleming, Columbus Community Hospital Phil Gengler, Sherwin Williams Nathan Karges, Northwestern Mutual Jessica Kuehler, CPS Foundation Scott Messersmith, Columbus Community Hospital Jen Miller, Behlen Mfg. Co. Rick Nelsen, Nebraska Public Power District Kristi Niemann, Associated Staffing Inc. Ashley Penne, Columbus United Federal Credit Union Willie Piitz, Central Community College Todd Wickens, Archer Daniels Midland Sarah Wischhof, Ameriprise Financial Brian Young, Frontier Communications Marie Zach, Loup Power District

Thank you

Thank you

Thank you

Thank you

For sponsoring the

For sponsoring the

For sponsoring the

For sponsoring the

2012201220122012----2013 Class!

2013 Class!

2013 Class!

2013 Class!

Five Business Leaders named to Business Hall of Fame

The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2012 inductees into the Columbus Area Business Hall of Fame. These five individuals have all greatly impacted the Columbus region’s economic vital-ity. First is a trio of leaders from the Zimmerer family, Paul, Art, and Bernie, who built an idea born in northwest Platte County into a truly global presence that has changed the face of agriculture. Paul Zimmerer grew up on a farm near Humphrey. Af-ter working various jobs in various states during the drought and Great Depression of the 1930’s, Paul returned to Platte County and opened a repair shop. In 1948 Paul’s family and Zimmerer Repair moved to the property in Lindsay that would become Lindsay Manufacturing. In the mid-1950’s hand lines were used to irrigate fields and Paul felt he could modify these lines to be towed by a tractor. In 1958, Paul and Matt Schumacher developed a unique coupler that saved farmers labor and the “Big Red Towline” was a major step forward for the company. Paul’s sons Art and Bernie joined the business in 1963 and the three formed a partnership in 1965 under the name Lindsay Manufacturing Company. Sales had multiplied nine times from 1961 to 1967 and then things really changed in 1968 as work began on a new product line: center pivot irrigation systems. The “Zimmatic” product line quickly become the company’s focus. Sales doubled in just a year and tripled again in the next two years. By 1973 company sales had reached $15-million, from just $230,000 only eight years before! The company started by the Zimmerers is now a pub-licly traded company headquartered in Omaha with 1,200 employees generating sales approaching $500-million, and is still home to 500 employees in Lindsay.

Also inducted in 2012 is Tony, “T.R.,” Raimondo. Tony joined Behlen Mfg. in Columbus as Gen-eral Manager for Wickes Corp. in 1982. Tony led a management buy-out of the company in 1984. Through acquisitions and internal improvements Behlen reached profitability in all four business groups by 1994, ten years later. Employment went from 400 to almost 1,200 and sales nearly tripled as well dur-ing that decade. From the beginning, Tony led the effort to completely change company culture, removing time clocks for all employees, changing supervisors to team leaders, and encouraging employee participation in the company. Employee gain-sharing and profit-sharing were instituted within the first 10 years and those programs continue to-day. Since the buy-out, 11 companies have been acquired with much of the production moving to Columbus. Com-pany sales reached $180-million in 2011, a revenue in-crease of 700% since the buy-out was accomplished. Tony was named Inc. Magazine’s 1994 “Turnaround En-trepreneur of the Year.” Tony has been inducted into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame.

The final 2012 Hall of Fame induc-tee is James E. North. James and brother Frank moved to the “town” of Cleveland, two miles west of Colum-bus on the Loup River, in 1858. James secured a contract to deliver mail between Columbus and Monroe, employing 13-year-old brother Luther to carry it. James first engaged in the

business of running a ferry across the Loup River carry-ing emigrants. James conducted a freight business between Omaha and Fort Kearny until the Union Pacific railroad reached that point. James secured a government appointment as trader with the Pawnee Indians in 1864 and conducted that business for three years. Soon after, he partnered with C.A. Speice in the real estate, loan, coal and collec-tion businesses. James was always active in the development of Colum-bus. He was president of a corporation that built the 500-seat Columbus Music Hall in 1878. He later built the three-story North Opera House with seating for 1,000 and also built the J.E. North Building which still stands to-day.

James was also a civic servant, serving as the third Sheriff of Platte County, County Supervisor for eight years, member of the State Senate, and 7th Mayor of Columbus. These five will be inducted into the Columbus Area Business Hall of Fame Nov. 27th. They continue a leg-acy of truly outstanding individuals who have been hon-ored with induction into the Hall of Fame. They will join the permanent display in Frankfort Square after their induction in November. Tony Raimondo and family members of the other in-ductees will be present to accept the awards. The Hall of Fame induction will be held in conjunc-tion with the Chamber’s annual awards: Archway Award given to the area’s outstanding businessman by Columbus Tire & Service Center; Ovation Award given to the area’s outstanding businesswoman by Ernst Auto Center/Ernst Toyota; and Charles Farnham Volunteer of the Year given by First Nebraska Bank. Also, the Co-lumbus Telegram will present the “Edgar Howard Award” for corporate citizenship that evening. Tickets for the event will be on sale at the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce and BankFirst for $35. Reserved corporate tables of eight tickets will be avail-able for $300. Contact the Chamber office (564-2769) for information. The Columbus Area Business Hall of Fame induction

is sponsored by BankFirst.

Columbus Bucks

Columbus Bucks are still the easiest way to make sure that dollars are spent locally. Merchants redeem them just like a check and shoppers use them just like cash. To purchase Columbus Bucks, call or stop by the Chamber office. Don't forget to use Columbus Bucks during the upcoming Holiday season. Gift-givers can purchase them at the Chamber of Commerce office. Chamber member businesses simply accept them in payment, endorse them and de-posit them like a check. It couldn't be easier. For more information contact Sharyle Sands at 564-2769.

Check out the progression of Check out the progression of Check out the progression of Check out the progression of

the new Chamber building !!!the new Chamber building !!!the new Chamber building !!!the new Chamber building !!!

Follow the progression

of the building on our

website,

www.thecolumbuspage.

com

August Investments

October Hospitality Sponsor October Hospitality Sponsor October Hospitality Sponsor October Hospitality Sponsor

Hospitality sponsor provides snacks & beverages for the numerous

meetings held in the Chamber board room each month.

A & M Veterinary Clinic, Harold Lange

ARL Credit Services Inc., Richard Jablonski

AYSO Columbus, Kevin Olmer

Behlen Mfg. Co., Philip Raimondo

BrewHaHa! Coffee and Sweet Treats, Jill Tate

Bryan LGH Heart Institute, Nadarajah Srikumar

C.S. Nelson Co. Real Estate, Chris Nelson

Central Community College Foundation, Dean Moors

Choice Transport, LLC, Heidi Loop

Columbus Auto Mart, Dean Cerny

Columbus Inn, Andy Patel

Cornerstone Bank, Mark Mercer

Dubas Refrigeration, Inc., Frank Dubas

Eagles Aerie #1834, Doug Wiese

EZ Nutrition Consulting, Elaine Farley-Zoucha

Griffiths Deco Concrete, Randy Griffiths

Kumpf, Rex D.D.S.

Kurtenbach Law Office, William Kurtenbach

Long John Silver's/A & W, Jed Brunken

Lynette's Dance Studio, Lynette Hogelin

Paychex, Sharon Martin

Platte County Agricultural Society, Brian Palmer

Preferred Plumbing & Fireplaces, Steve & Janet Sueper

Private Security Consultants, Wayne Jacobsen

Roth, Prent

Sapp Brothers Columbus, Roy Kranz

Sylvan Learning Center

Tessendorf Chiropractic, Travis Tessendorf

Typhoon Wash, Leyon Brestel

YMCA, Corey Briggs

Business After Hours

a strictly social Chamber event

Monday, October 15 5-6:30 p.m.

Golden Living Center 2855 40th Avenue

Please Join Us for Please Join Us for Please Join Us for Please Join Us for

hors d’oeuvres & beverages! hors d’oeuvres & beverages! hors d’oeuvres & beverages! hors d’oeuvres & beverages!

Photo Contest is Back! The Columbus/Platte County Convention & Visitors Bureau is sponsoring the annual photography contest. This contest is open to professional and amateur photographers; all ages are welcome. Photographs can be entered in four categories: Festi-vals, Outdoor Activities & Vistas, Nature Still Life, and Landmarks. Prizes will be awarded in each category with an overall best of show winner. All photographs must be of events, people or scenes in Platte County, Nebraska! Entries for the photo con-test will be accepted until October 26. Complete con-test rules are available from the CVB Director Deb Loseke at dloseke@megavision.com.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE BUSINESSES WHO TO ALL OF THE BUSINESSES WHO TO ALL OF THE BUSINESSES WHO TO ALL OF THE BUSINESSES WHO

CONTRIBUTED TO THE CONTRIBUTED TO THE CONTRIBUTED TO THE CONTRIBUTED TO THE

SUCCESS OF VEHICLE DAY 2012!SUCCESS OF VEHICLE DAY 2012!SUCCESS OF VEHICLE DAY 2012!SUCCESS OF VEHICLE DAY 2012!

Platte County Agricultural Park City of Columbus

Nebraska Public Power District Loup Public Power

Cornhusker Public Power State Farm Insurance, Annette Alt

Frontier Communications Time Warner Cable

John Deere, Humphrey, NE Pillen Family Farms US Postal Service

Three Eagles Communications Mike’s Auto and Towing

Platte County Bookmobile Central Community College,

Duane Matson

Special thanks all of the volunteers who make this event successful every year.

And thanks to Columbus Public Schools and Lakeview Community Schools for

participating in this year’s event!

Drive for Five Coordinator Says FarewellDrive for Five Coordinator Says FarewellDrive for Five Coordinator Says FarewellDrive for Five Coordinator Says Farewell

It was a difficult decision but I have accepted a new position with a dynamic corporation here in Columbus. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with all of the business and industry representatives for the last three years and I know the important work of the drive for five will continue to grow the community well into the future. I want to thank the members of the Business/Industry/Education Committee, the Drive for Five Investors, the chamber staff and board of directors and all of the wonderful volunteers whom I had the opportunity to work with on various projects and events. It’s been a tremendous experience and I thank you all for your support. Bernie Hansen

Workforce Coordinator

PRSRT STD POSTAGE

PAID COLUMBUS, NE

PERMIT #128

Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce 764 33rd Ave - P.O. Box 515 Columbus, NE 68602-0515

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

The Catalyst

The publication is distributed monthly to Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce Members and Stakeholders.

Columbus Area

Chamber of Commerce

K.C. Belitz President

Sandie Fischer Retail Development/

Events Planner Bernie Hansen

Workforce Coordinator Deb Loseke

Director, Convention

and Visitor Bureau Sharyle Sands Vice President

Karla Schaecher Office Manager

Mission Statement The Columbus Area

Chamber of Commerce enhancing the economic

well being and quality of life in the

Columbus Area. Published monthly

by the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce

Dues include $2 per year subscription for your

Catalyst

2012-2013

Board of Directors Steven Ramaekers Chairman of the Board Chris Nelson Chair-Elect Joe Steffensmeier Promotions Division Chairman John Lohr Community Development Division Chairman Bob Elsasser Business Development Division Chairman Wayne Morfeld Internal Affairs Division Chairman Mark Mercer Treasurer Lynette Hogelin Past Chairperson John Cimpl Steve Dewald Clay Gibbs Michael Hansen Dr. Troy Loeffelholz Steve Stevens Marge Trent Ex-Officio Members Mayor Mike Moser, City of Columbus Joe Tooley, Platte County Terry Kurtenbach, Commodores

OCTOBER CALENDAR

JUNE CALENDAR

2 - BIE, Chamber, 7am 2 - Commodore Ground Breaking,

Vetter Health Services, 10am 7 - Taste of Columbus, Ag Park, 4:30-8pm

9 - Commodore Call, Horn T Zoo & Pumpkin Patch, 10am

10 - Entrepreneurship Task Force, Chamber, 9am 10 - Social Media Forum,

Pinnacle Bank Village Centre, 1:15pm 11 - Platte County Visitors Committee,

Central Community College, 8am 11 - Commodore Call, CouponChopper.com, Chamber, 10am 15 - Business After Hours, Golden Living Centers, 5-6:30pm

16 - Finance, Chamber, 7am 17 - Holiday Basketball, Hy-Vee, 7am

17 - Transportation, New World Inn, 12pm 18 - Industrial Leaders Breakfast, Behlen Mfg Co., 7am

18 - Commodore Call, Behlen Mfg Co., 10am 22 - FRC Board, Chamber, 7am

22 - Streetscaping, Chamber, 11am 22 - Board of Directors, Chamber 12pm

23 - Commodore Call, Columbus Community Hospital Gift Shop, 10am

25 - Commodore Call, Neighborworks of Northeast Nebraska, 10am

26 - AgriBusiness, Stack’N Steak, 7am 29 - Quality of Life Centers, Chamber, 10am

OCTOBER CALENDAR