Love It or They Will Leave It - SPUCC event offers ideas for hometowns

HOLDREGE, Neb. — “Love It or They Will Leave It‚” suggests that the survival of small, rural towns is up to the residents, no one else, and is the theme for the annual meeting of the South Platte United Chamber of Commerce scheduled for Oct. 30 in Holdrege. Members as well as the general public are urged to attend.

The program includes compelling case studies and ideas that have been used to revitalize small towns in the SPUCC region and could be borrowed by others to use in their own home town. The speakers include Dave Rippe, owner of Queen City Development in Hastings and former director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development; John Williams, a partner in the Sun Theater Group that developed a new theater experience in Holdrege; and Matt Sehnert, owner of the Sehnert’s Bakery and Bieroc Café in McCook.

Each speaker has a story about developing aspects of small towns, including downtown housing, business development, and commitment to community service.

Ron Tillery, president of SPUCC, said, “America still needs vibrant small towns. It’s up to each of us to make it happen. No one else can or will,” Tillery said the “Love it,” program in the meeting will help community members and businesses unleash ideas that will work in their own towns.

The meeting will be held Oct. 30 from 11:30-1:30 at the Sun Theatre in Holdrege. A nominal registration is $15 which includes lunch catered by Sehnert’s Bakery and popcorn from the theater. Reservations for lunch are required; email info@jeanissler.com to reserve your spot.

For more information, call Jean at 308-991-8657.

South Platte United Chambers of Commerce is committed to furthering the economic and social welfare of the State of Nebraska with focus on the South Platte region. Its initiatives are in Tourism, Community Development, and Advocacy. For membership information, go to www.spuccne.com