The Issue 375 www.thecolumbuspage.com

January 2016

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

CataCatalystlyst Small Business Saturday a Success! Local shoppers continue to “buy in” to Small Business Saturday.

$43,075 in Columbus Bucks went out the door as the Chamber,

Digity radio stations, Columbus News Team, and the Columbus

Telegram combined to kick off the 2015 Columbus Holiday

Giveaway that morning. That is a 15% increase over sales last year and

another new record for the promotion.

The free Columbus Bucks were provided by Corporate

Sponsors for the Columbus Holiday Giveaway including Great Western

Bank, First National Bank, Cornerstone Bank, Bank of the Valley,

Dale Employees Credit Union, BankFirst, & Pinnacle Bank.

Participating merchants also helped provide those Bonus Bucks: Treasures, Seasons

Floral, Eakes Office Solutions, J’s Hallmark, Office Net, Sip, Little Caesar’s Pizza, Barbara

Jean’s, Lavender Thyme, Sears, Greiner’s Beds, Bedroom and

Floor Coverings, Imagine That Scrapbooking and Gifts,

Columbus Tire, Hy-Vee, Tooley Drug, and Columbus Music.

The remaining bonus Columbus Bucks in the Holiday

Giveaway budget were purchased by the following Tuesday at

noon! In four days, those sponsors and the Chamber put just

shy of $50,000 directly into the local economy and into local

Chamber-member businesses.

The Chamber's Retail/Services Division is proud of the impact of the Holiday

Giveaway on local member merchants! They thank everyone for making the decision to

shop locally for the holidays. Everyone that makes that choice puts money into the local

economy, supporting your friends and neighbors who run those stores, allowing them to

invest in local salaries, schools, roads, and more!

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In This Issue… Small Business Saturday 1 Business Hall of Fame 2 Legislative Kick-Off 3 Business After Hours 3 Industrial Leaders 3 Letter from Santa 4 College Week 4 NE Neb. Day 5 November Investments 5 CVB Photo Contest 6 Philanthropy Contest 6 Commodore Calls 7 New Members 7 Calendar 8

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 Kara Asmus Workforce Coordinator Sandie Fischer Events Planner, Entrepreneur/Membership Developer Cassie Jeffryes Office Manager Deb Loseke Director, Convention & Visitors Bureau Sharyle Sands Vice President

Catalyst (L-R) Tyler Ellyson, Chris Nelson, and

John DiMambro

(Edgar Howard Award) Columbus Tire & Service

Center “YOUR DOWNTOWN GOODYEAR

SERVICE CENTER”

Business Hall of Fame 2015 On December 1, 2015, we inducted three business pioneers of our

community and honored the people who are making a difference

in Columbus today!

Minnie Jackson Family Henry Gass Sr., Family

(L-R) Pat Anderson, Don Heimes,

Matt Gotschall, and Chris Nelson

Joe Steffensmeier & Matt Gotschall

(Archway Award)

Joe Steffensmeier, Don Heimes, Whitey

Walgren, and Clark Lehr (Charles

Farnham Volunteer Award)

Patty Schmidt, Pat Anderson, and

Joe Steffensmeier (Ovation Award)

Legislative Kick-Off Breakfast January 18

7:00 am Chamber of Commerce

$5.00

Join the Legislative Committee of the Chamber for breakfast with Senator Schumacher. Get an update from our Senator on important issues on the

docket for this year’s legislative session. Please RSVP to the Chamber office by January 14, at 564-2769 or

chamber@megavision.com.

Catalyst

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Business After Hours A Strictly Social Chamber Event

Monday, January 25th

Hosted by

FDC Publishing of the Midwest

1370 31st Avenue

Columbus, NE 68601

5 PM - 6:30 PM

Join us for hors d’oeuvres and beverages.

Industrial Leaders Breakfast January 21

7:00 am Wunderlich’s

Manufacturing leaders are invited to breakfast on

January 21st to connect with each other.

The Columbus Economic

Council and Chamber host

the quarterly Industrial Leaders Breakfast.

Any industrial leader can RSVP to the Chamber at 402-564-2769 or send an

e-mail to Cassie at: chamber@megavision.com.

Catalyst

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To: The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce I want to thank the outstanding volunteers who have made my visit to the City of Columbus once again so enjoyable. I truly enjoy the time spent in the Santa House and would like to thank everyone who make my visits possible. The City of Columbus Street Department under the direction of Jay Nickolite and his staff for bringing the house to Frankfort Square under the guidance and assistance of B-D Construction. The Parks Department keeps the square looking great throughout the season and Randy Sedlacek along with his staff makes that possible. Huge thanks go out to my elves: Bob Fischer, K.C. Belitz, Dick Fischer, Rodney Dunson, Brian Brownlow, Mike Garrett and Richard Piper for setting up and taking care of my house. I know how busy your schedules are in November taking care of the white-tail deer population but you always find time to make sure the house is ready to go. Very special thanks to Kaden and Emma Brownlow for your assistance. Digity and the Columbus Telegram did an excellent job letting everyone know what days and times I was available at the Santa House. You kept me very busy handing out those candy canes and talking to all the good little boys and girls. A Huge Thank you to Columbus Children’s Healthcare / CCH Pediatric Clinic, P.C. for sponsoring the Santa House and my arrival. I wish everyone a Happy 2016 and I look forward to seeing you very soon.

Santa Claus

College Week College is an important part of getting the job and income you want, but no

college is a one-size-fits-all institution. That is what 4th and 5th grade students at Lost

Creek and Centennial Elementary Schools learned during College Week.

Finding the right fit includes considering price, location, degree or certificate

desired, class size, how soon you want to begin working, how much money you hope

to earn, and many other important considerations.

Activities during college week included a kick-off assembly and pep rally, classroom

activities throughout the week, a college pledge, a workbook to help with developing a college and career plan, a college cam-

pus tour, visits with college recruiters, Q&A with people who have attended college, and a graduation ceremony declaring the

students officially college bound.

Many thanks to those who helped make College Week a huge success! Columbus

Public Schools Foundation, Columbus United Federal Credit Union, Easy Screen Printing,

Central Community College, Raider Rex, The Columbus Business Community, Nebraska

Colleges and Universities, Education Quest, Columbus High School Band, Columbus High

School Cheerleaders, Li’l C, and the Nebraska Extension 4-H Youth Development Program.

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Tractor Supply Company, Monday Marr Columbus Area Community Foundation Fund,

Amanda Polacek Northwestern Mutual, Nathan Karges ADM Alliance Nutrition, Darin Sigler

Behlen Mfg. Co., Philip Raimondo Commonwealth Electric Company, Jake Gable

Hometown Insurance, Steve Barnes Noyes Rogers

Columbus Cancer Care, Dr. Joan Keit Mountain Plains Financial Inc., Terry Norris

Mail Prep Etc., Jon Bargen CHI Health Alegent Creighton Clinic,

Korie Whitmore Advance Services Inc., Peggy Bertrand

Beard - Warren Heating & Air Conditioning, Doug Beard & Tim Warren

Ferguson Properties, Jamie & W.M. Ferguson Wurdeman, Gail

Nebraska Electric G & T Co-Op, Bruce Pontow Numismatist, Rob Green

Midlands Direct & Rosendahl Farms Seed and Feed, Dale Rosendahl

Columbus General Surgery, P.C., Ron Ernst, M.D. Columbus United Federal Credit Union,

Brian Christensen Corner Stop, Jed Brunken

Lotto Nebraska, Paul Schumacher

Paychex, Sharon Martin Design Team, Joyce Thompson

JnJ Vapor, Jason Jakub Marley's Electric, Marlin Frauendorfer

ServiceMaster by Shevlin, Kurt Shevlin See the Trainer, John Klemke

Horn T Zoo, Todd Laudenklos Kiwanis Club, Russ Freeman

Image Tech & Printing, Stacy Hollendieck Sweet Harvest Popcorn Shoppe, Dale & Patty Dolezal

Island Supply Welding, Frank Torczon Marathon Press, Tony Maxey

Super Cuts, Stacie Treax Nebraska TreeWorks, Inc., Randy Johnson

Shenanigans, Tim Long Ameriprise Financial Services, Sam Hogeland

Columbus Carpet, Dave Dahl Kat's Car Wash, Al Davis

Pella Window Store, Jerry Nauenburg Boy Scouts of America, Sarah Wolta

Cubby's, Chuck McCoy J's Hallmark, Colleen Belitz

Lindsay Corporation, Greg Oswald Schumacher, Paul

Tracy's Sport Line Auto Sales, Tracy Willard Columbus Hydraulics, Todd Duren

Double Dutch Dairy, Todd Tuls

Catalyst

November Investments We thank our members for their

membership investment.

2016 Northeast Nebraska Day at the Capitol Monday, February 1

US Bank Tower/Nebraska Club 233 South 13th Street, 20th Floor, Lincoln

5:30-8:00 pm

Take this opportunity to meet the new and incumbent Nebraska Senators. Prior to an evening reception, a series of educational sessions are planned at 2:00 pm. We will also visit all 49 Senators’

offices with our legislative priorities. This event is available to a limited number of people so be sure to reserve your spot today. RSVP to the

Chamber office at 564-2769 or chamber@megavision.com. Please specify if you would like transportation to Lincoln. Hosted by the following Northeast Nebraska Chambers of Commerce:

Blair, Columbus, Fremont, Norfolk, South Sioux City, Wayne & West Point

Catalyst

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Columbus Youth Philanthropy Contest Back for its fourth year, the Columbus Area Philanthropy Council is conducting the 2016 Youth Philanthropy Contest. The Youth Philanthropy Contest is an exciting opportunity for youth and young adults to use their creativity, compassion, and love of their community to make a difference! The Philanthropy Council encourages local youth (kindergarten to age 22) to ask themselves: How can I make a difference in my community? Applicants submit their ideas to change the world, right here in their own backyard. Thanks to financial support raised at Taste of Columbus, contest winners receive $1,000 to implement their projects. If you know of any youth or youth group that might have a great project to share, visit www.columbusphilanthropy.org for contest details, and application information.

Congratulations to the winners of the CVB Photo Contest!

The Columbus/Platte County Convention & Visitors Bureau recently sponsored a photography contest. The contest was

open to professional and amateur photographers and all ages were welcome. The winners of the photo contest were as follows:

The winning photos and entries are posted on the Columbus/Platte County Convention & Visitors Bureau Facebook page.

Category: Nature Still Life 1st Place - Suzette Carrig-Brown 2nd Place - Joy Woodhall 3rd Place - Elizabeth Plettner

Category: Landmarks

1st Place - Carolyn Lueschen 2nd Place - Emily Hall

3rd Place - Myrle Hadcock

Best of Show: Emily Hall

Category: Outdoor Activities and Vistas 1st Place - Emily Hall 2nd Place – Victoria Paprocki-Kent 3rd Place - Joy Woodhall

Category: Festivals 1st Place - Joy Woodhall

2nd Place - Carolyn Lueschen 3rd Place - Emily Hall

The Goodwill Arm of the Chamber

CHAMBER COMMODORES

Catalyst

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Hometown Insurance, Member Visit,

Tonya Houdesheldt, Steve Barnes, Kathy Miller and Skipper Tonya Wemhoff

Paradise Club, Ribbon Cutting, Daniel Vasallo, Anna Villegas, Laura Quintans, Jesus

Ramos and the Chamber Commodores

Welcome New Members:

PAYCHEX, Member Visit, Skipper Tonya Wemhoff and Joan Kurtenbach

Party Palace/Easy Screen Printing, Member Visit, Cindy & Lindsay Gasper,

Skipper Tonya Wemhoff and Greg Gasper

Wal-Mart, Member Visit, Skipper Tonya Wemhoff and Stephen

Vavra

Cross Dillon Tire

Josh Wilkening 1103 23rd St East, Columbus 402-564-0541 Automotive Repairs/Parts & Supplies Sponsor: Mark Mercer

Paradise Club Daniel Vasallo 4704 Howard Blvd., Columbus (402) 942-9103 Restaurants & Lounges Sponsor: Juan Sandoval

Z Wireless - Verizon Wireless Retailer Tanya Leach 2408 23rd St., Columbus (402) 942-9049 tanya.leach@awireless.com Telecommunications Service & Equipment Sponsor: Sharyle Sands

PRSRT STD

POSTAGE

PAID

COLUMBUS, NE

PERMIT #500

Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce 753 33rd Ave.

Columbus, NE 68601-6427 402.564.2769 Fax: 402.564.2026

chamber@megavision.com www.thecolumbuspage.com

Calendar of Events… January 2016 2015-2016 Board of Directors

Joe Steffensmeier

Chairman of the Board Bill Flint

Chair-Elect Dianne Wall Promotions

Division Chairman Steve Line

Community Development Division Chairman

Chad Dyhrkopp Business Development

Division Chairman Jaci Tessendorf

Internal Affairs Division Chairman

Bill Flint Treasurer

Mark Mercer Past Chairperson

Travis Bock Dennis Grennan

Pat Pope Russ Freeman

John DiMambro Ben Hellbusch Chris Langan

Ex-Officio Members Mayor Mike Moser City of Columbus Jerry Engdahl Platte County Tonya Wemhoff 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.

The Catalyst

01 New Year’s Day Chamber Closed All Day

05 Business, Industry & Education Chamber 7:00am

05 Commodores Linda K Price CPA 10:00am

07 Childcare Committee Chamber 1:00 pm

12 Commodores Z Wireless 10:00am

12 QOL Centers Acct. Chamber 9:00am

13 E-Ship Chamber 9:00am

14 Commodores Cruise & Associates 10:00am

18 Legislative Kick-Off Breakfast Chamber 7:00am

19 Finance Chamber 7:00am

19 Admirals Chamber 7:30am

19 Columbus Days Committee Chamber 10:30am

20 Transportation Ramada-Columbus 12:00pm

20 Holiday Basketball Wrap-up Bo’s West 6:00pm

21 Industrial Leaders Breakfast Wunderlich’s 7:00am

22 Agribusiness Committee Stack ‘N Steak 7:00am

25 Quality of Life Centers Chamber 10:00am

25 Board of Directors Chamber 12:00pm

25 Business After Hours FDC Publishing of the

Midwest

5:00pm

28 L.C.A.A Chamber 11:45am

29 Branding Chamber 12:00pm