The Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce offers many opportunities for members to become involved in our community. Many different Chamber committees meet regularly, offering networking opportunities, education and community outreach.
We encourage you to get more involved by joining one of our committees.
Division Chair – Sarah Pillen
Chairman – Brad Christensen
The committee is a communication and education forum for farmers, agribusiness people, and the business community as a whole.
2019 Plan of Work includes:
*Co-host 2020 Businessperson’s Breakfast at the Platte County Fair
*Conduct Celebrate Ag Lunch during Columbus Days 2019 to educate consumers about impact of local agriculture
*Conduct 14th Annual Ag Partners Tour
*Provide ag-related college scholarships
*Conduct 52nd annual Rural Recognition Banquet in March 2020
*Monitor and take action on legislative issues impacting agriculture
Co-chairmen – Neal Suess and David Bell
The council develops the plan of action for economic development activities. Council makeup is per the economic development policy adopted by the Chamber Board.
2018 Plan of Work includes:
Chair – Doris Lux
The task force is made up of selected key individuals pursuing retail & commercial development in the Columbus area.
2020 Plan of Work includes:
*Pursuing all leads for retail, service, or commercial businesses
*Maintain a retail prospect list/franchise opportunities list
*Identify available business niches and facilitate development of a business to fill that niche
*Direct the Holiday Giveaway Promotion
*Investigate opportunities identified at the Planning Session
Chair – Juli Thelen
The committee serves as the liaison between the educational and business communities leading and coordinating workforce development efforts and educational programs with the goal of training and retaining community members.
2019 Plan of Work includes:
*Implementation and support of Drive for Five action items. These items include:
Employee recruitment trips
School-Business Partnership Programs
Local Workforce Training Opportunities
Local alumni recruitment efforts
Provide sufficient funding for Drive for Five initiative
Continue to update website with inventory of business-education partnership opportunities
Maintain an updated online presence through http://somethinggoodcolumbus.com website, Facebook
and Twitter, providing community information, available job opportunities, and local
employment and wage data.
Host “Industry in Education Day” 2019
Division Chair – Jeff Ohnoutka
Chair – Mary Wiegand
This committee will continue the Leadership Columbus program and cooperate with the alumni of the class. Applications will be taken for the 29th class to begin the fall of 2019. Members of Leadership Columbus Alumni coordinate the classes.
Chairman – Don Heimes
The committee reviews and takes positions on behalf of the Chamber membership, in regard to local, state and federal issues.
2019 Plan of Work includes:
*Co-Host 14th annual “Northeast Nebraska Day” at the State Capitol
*Host the State Chamber Legislative Forum
*Host conference calls with State Chamber during Neb. Unicameral session
*Maintain a close working relationship with local, state and federal lawmakers
*Host annual appreciation event for local elected officials
Chairman – Rich Jablonski
The committee serves as a source of input on traffic and transportation issues for the Columbus area.
2018 Plan of Work includes:
*Support for Highway 30 Expressway
*Support for Regional Transportation Study to include coordination with NDOT, surrounding counties, and transportation components of City of Columbus Comprehensive Plan
*Pursue opportunities associated with reconstruction of 23rd Street/Streetscaping
*Support completion of East 29th Avenue Viaduct
*Work with Legislative Committee regarding funding for transportation projects, including increase gas tax, tolls, bonding, etc. Also meeting with candidates for State Legislature.
*Support moving City viaduct projects forward
*Support completion of Highway 81 south to I-80 and completion of the Expressway system
*Stay informed on Federal Infrastructure initiative and impact to State
*Continue to build relationships with elected officials and NDOT. Serve as a resource to city, county and state government for Columbus area traffic and transportation issues
Division Chair – Chad Van Cleave
Co-chairs – Don Mroczek & Todd Halligan
The committee plans and promotes the annual Holiday Basketball Tournament held annually in December.
Various committees plan, produce and coordinate the August 15-18, 2019 community celebration. Special emphasis is placed on working with many other community groups and organizations to assure a true community event.
Chair – Jo Suess
The committee plans the annual Independence Day fireworks display for the community. They employ a professional pyrotechnics provider and also make arrangements for other entertainment. This year’s display will be July 3rd at Platte County Ag Park.
Division Chair – Ken Curry
Treasurer – Bill Flint
The committee reviews monthly financial statements and reports to insure proper accounting and reporting. The committee also reviews and recommends the annual budget as proposed by the President.
Skipper – Skipper-by-Committee
The Commodores are the goodwill arm of the Chamber and act as the Chamber’s official representatives at grand openings and membership promotions.
2019 Plan of Work includes:
Chair – Dennis Grennan
The Admirals each make a minimum of one call per month to a prospective member of the Chamber of Commerce, asking them to join the organization. Additionally, they will assist with collection of past-due member accounts and will provide significant support to the annual membership drives.
Assistance and management help is provided to the local Service Corps of Retired Executives.
A contract with Platte County provides funding for the Columbus/Platte County Convention and Visitors Bureau.