Chamber Celebrates Golden Anniversary, Business Leaders at Harvest Gala

The Kearney Chamber of Commerce presented five prestigious awards at its sixth annual Harvest Gala on Thursday, October 1. Local business owners and community leaders gathered at Tobacco Barn Farm in Holt to honor the premier institutions and individuals driving Kearney's economic and community success.

The theme for the evening was Golden Jubilee, and  annual event recognized exceptional dedication, community service, and outstanding leadership across several major categories.

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 Precision Athletics & Wellness.

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 Brian Watts of 102.7FM.

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 Kearney Senior Center/Kearney Enrichment Council.

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 T7 Custom Sports and T7 Let’s Play.

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 whose 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 Jason Hoyt of HNB Bank (formerly Kearney Trust Company).

The gala marks a major milestone for the Chamber of Commerce, looking back at a half-century legacy while spotlighting the active leaders setting the standard for Kearney’s business landscape moving forward.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Chamber Marks 50 Years with Golden Jubilee Open House

The Kearney Chamber of Commerce is inviting the community to commemorate its 50th anniversary with a Golden Jubilee Member Appreciation Open House. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, from 3 to 5 PM at the Chamber office, located at 109 W 92 Hwy in Kearney.

Chamber officials say the special gathering will honor five decades of impact, recognizing the members—past, present, and future—who have helped build a thriving local business environment. The festivities will feature a lively, come-and-go atmosphere, complete with cake, ice cream, a Golden Candy Bar, and raffle prizes. Attendees are encouraged to bring a business card to participate in the raffle.

As part of the Golden Jubilee celebration, the Chamber will pay tribute to its founding members and businesses that have served the community for 50 years or more. These individuals and organizations will be presented with commemorative Gold Ribbon Lapel Pins.

In addition to the festivities, the Chamber is launching a “Share Your Chamber Story” Memory Station. Guests can contribute written or recorded memories to help capture the organization’s history. A Legacy Photo Collection is also underway, inviting community members to share photos from the past 50 years of Kearney’s business community. Photos may be submitted at the event or via email to Admin@kearneychamber.org.

“This event is about more than celebrating a milestone—it’s about honoring the relationships, stories, and businesses that have shaped our community,” said Stacie Bratcher, Executive Director of the Kearney Chamber of Commerce.

The open house is welcoming to all Chamber members, whether past, present, or prospective. For further details, contact the Kearney Chamber of Commerce.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bratcher Completes First Year at Institute for Organization Management

Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Stacie Bratcher, Executive Director, of the Kearney Chamber of Commerce, has recently completed her first year at Institute for Organization Management, a four-year nonprofit leadership training program at University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ.

“Institute graduates are recognized across the country as leaders in their industries and organizations,” said Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, the U.S. Chamber’s vice president of Institute for Organization Management. “These individuals have the knowledge, skills, and dedication necessary to achieve professional and organizational success in the dynamic association and chamber industries.”

Since its commencement in 1921, the Institute program has been educating tens of thousands of association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders on how to build stronger organizations, better serve their members and become strong business advocates. Institute’s curriculum consists of four weeklong sessions at four different university locations throughout the country. Through a combination of required courses and electives in areas such as leadership, advocacy, marketing, finance, and membership, Institute participants are able to enhance their own organizational management skills and add new fuel to their organizations, making them run more efficiently and effectively.

Institute for Organization Management is the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is the premier nonprofit professional development program for association and chamber professionals, fostering individual growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations.

Kearney Chamber of Commerce Launches 2025 Small Business Season

The Kearney Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the launch of its 2025 Small Business Season with Keep the Cheer Here, a community-wide initiative celebrating the local businesses that keep our economy thriving. Running November 1 through December 31, this year’s campaign carries the inspiring message: Every Purchase Has a Purpose.

“Every time you choose to shop or dine locally, you’re buying more than a product or service—you’re investing in dreams, jobs, and the uniqueness of our community,” said Stacie Bratcher, Executive Director of the Kearney Chamber of Commerce. “Small Business Season reminds us that local choices have a lasting impact. Together, we can help our neighbors and community thrive.”

By leveraging the Keep the Cheer Here campaign during Small Business Season residents are encouraged to explore hometown favorites, discover new local gems, and share their experiences to inspire others. From boutique shopping and dining at family-owned restaurants to attending festive community events, this initiative celebrates the people and places that make Kearney a vibrant and connected community.

“When you support local businesses, you’re helping fund our schools, youth programs, and community causes,” added Jewelee Cox, Chamber Board President and owner of Tobacco Barn Farm. “Local spending builds momentum—powering the people, places, and possibilities that define our town.”
Research shows that for every $100 spent at a local business, approximately $68 stays in the community, compared to only $43 at a national chain—creating a ripple effect that benefits everyone.

To bring the season to life, the Kearney Enrichment Council will host A Magical Night on December 13th, from 6pm-9pm, with a lighted Christmas parade, Santa's arrival, and a special fireworks display to create unforgettable memories for families in the heart of downtown Kearney.

Throughout the campaign, you can also look forward to special themed days and events, such as Black Friday and Giving Tuesday, the Favorite Things Chamber Membership Luncheon (Dec. 3), and the Jingle & Mingle After Hours (Dec. 18), all designed to make supporting local both meaningful and rewarding.

Residents are encouraged to share their favorite finds and tag local businesses using #KeeptheCheerHere, #SmallBusinessSeason and #ShopLocalKearney.

“Small businesses give our community its personality and pride,” said Nic Vasquez, Chamber Board Vice President with Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial. “They’re where memories are made. This season, let’s give back to the people who give our town so much.”

For event listings, local promotions, and Small Business Season updates, visit www.kearneychamber.org or download the Visit Kearney Mobile App on Apple, Android, to get the latest updates on local businesses and community events.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Tammy Ball Receives Citizen of the Year at Chamber Gala

The Kearney Chamber of Commerce presented five prestigious awards at its fifth annual Harvest Gala on Thursday, September 25. The Citizen of the Year Bob Tate Memorial award was presented to Tammy Ball from the Kearney Food Pantry.

Pictured: Jewelee Cox, Tammy Ball, Stacie Bratcher.

Members of the Kearney area business community came dressed in their best cowboy chic attire to the Chamber’s “Outlaw Soiree” 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 Bea’s Flowers & Gifts.

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 Jennifer Grossl of Platte-Clay Electric Cooperative.

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 Shanks Heating & Cooling.

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 Oak Pointe of Kearney.

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 whose 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 Tammy Ball from the Kearney Food Pantry.

“To be the recipient of the Citizen of the Year- Bob Tate Award is truly an honor that I share with the volunteers [of the] Kearney Food Pantry, said Ball on a Facebook post. “There are so many people in our community worthy of this award. I am honored that we were selected! Thank you Stacie and all the Kearney Chamber of Commerce members for all you do to keep us inspired! Thank you, Kearney for supporting your community!”

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.