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.

Hiring Fair Connects Job Seekers and Employers

The Kearney Chamber of Commerce connects job seekers of all ages with local employers at its 4th annual Hiring Fair. The event will take place on Thursday, April 11, from 3 to 6 pm.

The Hiring Fair is open to all employers who have unfilled staff positions or anticipate having open positions in the near future; providing an opportunity for businesses to actively interview and hire potential employees on the spot, as-well-as for job seekers to learn about career opportunities.

Registration for area businesses is $50 for Chamber members and $100 for non-members (discounts and sponsorships available). Registration includes table space, chairs, bottled water, and hospitality cart. Private rooms will also be available for businesses who would like to conduct on-site interviews.

The 4th annual Hiring Fair will be held at the Kearney United Methodist Church on Thursday, April 11, from 3 to 6 pm. It’s open to all area companies and individuals, and professionals of all levels are highly encouraged to attend and participate.

For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce office at 816-628-4229 or by email at Stacie@KearneyChamber.org.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.