Kearney Chamber Launches Academy to Build Future Leaders

The Kearney Chamber of Commerce has announced the launch of Empower Kearney: Leadership Academy, a new nine-month initiative designed to cultivate strong, engaged leaders equipped to make a lasting impact in the community.

Dubbed “Leadership for Impact,” the program offers both emerging and seasoned professionals a structured path to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their networks, and deepen their understanding of local issues. The inaugural class—set to begin in September and conclude in May—will meet monthly on the second Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Each session is themed around a leadership focus and a community topic, from self-awareness and conflict resolution to education, healthcare, and economic development. Participants will also engage with local leaders and organizations, offering them a practical and in-depth view of Kearney’s civic and business landscape.

“This academy is more than just a leadership course—it’s an investment in Kearney’s future,” Chamber Executive Director Stacie Bratcher. “By empowering individuals to lead with intention and community focus, we’re building a stronger, more connected city.”

Program Highlights:

Start/End Dates: September–May

Time Commitment: One full-day session each month (second Fridays)

Cost: $699 for Chamber members, $799 for non-members

Early Bird Incentive: Register by Memorial Day to receive a Leadership Resource Bundle and “Founding Class” recognition

Group Discounts: Organizations sending multiple participants receive 5% off each additional registration.

The curriculum includes professional development tools such as the CliftonStrengths assessment, guided reflection, and hands-on community engagement. Topics range from ethics and motivation to mental health and civic leadership. The academy concludes in May with the creation of personalized leadership plans and a graduation ceremony celebrating the cohort’s journey.

Flexible invoicing is available, including an extra 5% discount for payments made in full via cash or check by September 1st.

For more information or to register, visit KearneyChamber.org or contact the Chamber office at (816) 628-4229.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Chamber Offers Free Business Growth Clinics for Members

Local business owners looking to overcome challenges and accelerate growth have a valuable new resource available through the Kearney Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has launched a Business Growth Clinic, offering personalized, one-on-one consultations to help members streamline operations, boost productivity, and plan for long-term success.

The clinics are held bi-weekly on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month from 11 am to 2 pm at the Kearney Chamber of Commerce office. Each session is 30 minutes long and completely free for Chamber members in good standing.

One-on-One sessions are guided by James Kabucho, President / CEO of STRATEGENESIS LLC. Participants will receive tailored advice, practical solutions, and actionable strategies aimed at driving their business forward. The initiative also aims to strengthen the local business community through more connected and resilient enterprises.

Appointments are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Chamber members are encouraged to reserve their spot and take advantage of this unique opportunity to get expert support customized to their business needs.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Chamber of Commerce Changes Locations

After several years located at 455 Sam Barr Drive, the Kearney Chamber of Commerce has moved its headquarters to a more central location in Kearney. The move gives the Chamber a larger office space in a more accessible area of town.

The new location of the Chamber of Commerce office is in the Kearney Commercial Center, between Waters Hardware and the Kearney School District Early Education Center. The space was formerly occupied by Insta Deals.

The new location is a benefit to chamber members as well as individuals in the community.

“This new location is ideal for us to better serve our members,” Executive Director Stacie Bratcher said. “It gives us more office space, workspace and conference space that will help our member partners.”

The office has been newly redesigned and remodeled with three office spaces, a large conference room and kitchen area, welcome center and community area that could be used for workshops, seminars and gatherings.

The new location also has an added benefit of a large parking area that would make it easier for the Chamber to coordinate outdoor events such as the Farmers’ Market.

The new address of the Kearney Chamber of Commerce is 190 W State Route 92, in Kearney. The Chamber provides copying and scanning, mailbox services, design services, admin services, social media services and coworking space to all businesses and individuals in the community. For more information visit KearneyChamber.org.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Updike Receives Citizen of the Year Award

The Kearney Chamber of Commerce presented five prestigious awards at its fourth annual Harvest Gala on Thursday, September 26. The Citizen of the Year Bob Tate Memorial award was presented to Lyle Updike of Updike BBQ.

Matthew Hoyt, Lyle Updike, Jason Hoyt, Shawn Barber

Members of the Kearney area business community came dressed in their best Cuban attire to the Chamber’s “Hot Havana Nights” themed gala event at the Tobacco Barn Farm. The event celebrated area businesses with food, entertainment, and Business Excellence Awards.

The first award presented was the Rising Star award. This award recognizes a new business or a business that reignited, rebranded, or reinvented itself over the last year. The winner of the Rising Star Award was T7 Custom Sports & T7 Lets Play.

The next award was the Chamber Dedication award. This award celebrates a person, business, or organization who has exhibited dedication to the Chamber through service, support, and/or tenure of membership. The Chamber Dedication award went to Shawn Barber of Conrad's Kitchen and Patio.

The third award was the Biggest Community Impact award. This honor recognizes a person, business or organization that has had the biggest impact on our community in the last year. The winner of this award was Jason Hoyt and Kearney Trust Company.

The next award was the Business of the Year award. The Business of the Year award was introduced by the Ambassador Committee. Business of the Year nominees are former Business of the Month recipients, who are nominated by that committee. This honor went to Farm Fresh Meats.

Kristen Atwell, Lyle Updike, Stacie Bratcher

The final award of the evening was the Citizen of the Year award. This award is given to recognize an outstanding member of the chamber community who, through their personal involvement, leadership abilities, and selfless giving of their time and talent, has positively affected Kearney and the lives of its citizens. The Citizen of the Year Award honors those who’s contributions to Kearney have been both a recent effort resulting in a substantial benefit to the community, and a steady, reliable long-term history of service to Kearney. This award was presented to Lyle Updike of Updike BBQ.

"Lyle does a phenomenal job of recognizing those who deserve it most – our military, veterans and first responders,” reads a Chamber of Commerce announcement. “He volunteers his time and talent to serve those who deserve it most, not just in Kearney, but all around the northland."

Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Farmers Market Named Top Winner

The Kearney Chamber of Commerce announced that the Kearney Farmers’ Market was selected as 2024 Best Northland Farmers’ Market in the popular Courier-Tribune feature.

The Kearney Farmers Market, offers a unique opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate local agriculture, and support small businesses.

The Kearney Farmers Market has been honored as a Top Winner in the Best Farmers Market Category of the annual BEST OF THE NORTHLAND Voting. This prestigious recognition highlights the market's dedication to providing the community with fresh, locally-sourced produce and artisanal goods.

The market, produced by the Kearney Chamber of Commerce, has become a beloved fixture in the town, drawing residents and visitors alike to experience its vibrant atmosphere and high-quality offerings. This award reflects the hard work and passion of the local farmers, vendors, and organizers who strive to make each market day a memorable experience.

"We are thrilled and deeply honored to be recognized as a Top Winner in the Best Farmers Market Category," said Stacie Bratcher, Executive Director of the Kearney Chamber of Commerce. "This award is a testament to the incredible efforts of our local vendors and the enthusiastic support of our community. We look forward to continuing to grow and enhance the Kearney Farmers Market, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of our town's culture and a source of pride for all who participate."

The Kearney Farmers Market, held weekly, offers a unique opportunity for the community to come together, celebrate local agriculture, and support small businesses.

Readers have participated in the newspaper’s Best of the Northland feature for 34 years. Each year readers vote in 140 different categories or themes and select what they believe to be the best of the Northland.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.