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Chamber members urged to claim ownership in organization
McCOOK, Neb. -- The chamber is growing and is inviting the entire community to take ownership in the evolution that the organization began in 2015.
Executive Director Tacie Fawver told about 350 attendees at the annual chamber banquet Saturday that 30 new members joined the chamber in 2015, a 13 percent increase in membership.
In addition, the chamber moved its office to 203 W. Second Street, developed a new website, and began a branding campaign in 2013.
These accomplishments happened under the leadership of Chamber President Chad Arasmith, who will be leaving McCook shortly to take a position with Orscheln Farm and Home in Kansas. Jamie Mockry will be finishing Arasmith's term, and then Matt Sehnert will take the leadership role for the chamber.
Sehnert challenged those in attendance to continue the positive message that the chamber has embraced through the branding campaign, "Belong * Engage * Succeed." "For the rest of 2016 and 2017, I want you to ask yourself two questions," said Sehnert. "One -- who is the chamber? Two -- why are we here?"
Sehnert went on to explain that the chamber is not just the paid staff or the board of directors, but it is all of the membership. That membership is not just the retail community; it includes the entire business community. "Let's transition from a 'they' mentality to a 'we' mentality," Sehnert challenged the audience.
"We are here as members because we live here, we spend our lives here, and we want to live in a community that is fun, progressive, safe, and most importantly, that our children will want to come back to," said Sehnert. "We need your involvement -- let's do it."
The chamber presented four awards Saturday night to individuals and organizations that have made a difference in making McCook a great place to live, work, and play.
The Ag Builder Award was presented to Dr. Wayne Watkins, DVM, owner of Red Willow Animal Clinic. Watkins has invested 24 years in the McCook community, serving as a youth coach, FFA and 4-H supporter, member of the Red Willow County Fair Board, President of Community Hospital Board of Directors, member of AmFirst Bank Advisory Committee and the YMCA board. He is active at the Evangelical Free Church and supports Evening for Hospice and Pheasants Forever. He is always willing to donate his time to share his passions, from allowing students to job shadow him, to visiting schools to share his Native American culture.
Upon receiving the Community Builder Award, Barb Ostrum told the audience, "I love what I do." Barb helps those in need get back on their feet through her position at the non-profit organization, MidNebraska Community Action Partnership. She spends endless hours organizing events such as the McCook Toy Box and the Coat Closet. During this time of year, she also donates time to help prepare and file tax returns.
The Community Service Award, which is given each year to an organization contributing significantly to the improvement of McCook and the surrounding area, went to McCook Community Foundation Fund. Since its beginning in 2001, MCFF has granted over $236,000 to various groups and projects.
Volunteer members of the committee have been dedicated to helping maintain McCook's 133-year legacy for the upcoming generations.
Because of the volunteers and the many generous donor gifts, the endowment fund has grown to the point that they will be able to grant over $70,000 every year. Accepting the award were members of the MCFF committee, Doug Skiles and Mark Graff.
The Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award went to Jamie Mockry, who serves on the Chamber Board of Directors, as well as many committees including marketing, fundraising, Heritage Days, and annual banquet committees. He is also a member of the Young Professionals Group. Mockry runs two businesses in McCook; Keystone Floral and a catering business, Consolidated Management which provided the food and service for the chamber banquet.
He has donated a considerable amount of time, talent, thought, effort, financial resources, and heart into the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce.