Blog
The Golden Husk Valentine’s Event, Featuring Local Artists
BlogThe Golden Husk Theatre invites you to warm your heart at the Happy Valentine’s Day Dinner and Concert on Saturday, February 11th! At 6:00 pm, enjoy a delicious meal at Jubilee Events & Catering featuring Marry Me Chicken...
Local Pharmacy or Online: Safety vs. Risk
BlogWritten by Kate Wolf for The Ord Quiz. Originally Published in The Ord Quiz: Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Vol. 142, No. 4 The concept of online pharmacies and the active sale of medications have become very popular over the past 20...
Valley County Economic Development Launches Rebate Program
BlogDowntown business districts are the heart of rural communities across the state. It’s the most visible part of communities and more than likely the first-place visitors stop, whether they’re here for a weekend or just passing...
Holiday Events and Promotions Support Local Businesses and Organizations
BlogThis holiday season you will have no problem finding activities for you and the whole family. Shop locally, support our area businesses, and have fun along the way. From Santa to Soup, Books to Baking, Music to Meals, Crafts to...
2022 Local Holiday Shopping Guide
BlogIt’s holiday shopping time! Whether you’re looking for gifts for friends or family, local area business have just what you need. Shopping local has never been more important. Instead of traveling to the big cities, check out the...
October Chamber Spotlight: SaBo Art Ord
BlogWhat does luxury mean to you? In today’s world, we have a desire to find luxury. That could mean you treat yourself to a little extra self-care. It could mean you buy designer brand...
September Chamber Spotlight: Central Community College Ord Center
BlogTo you, what is Valley County known for? Is it our local heroine Evelyn Sharp? Is it our historic main street districts? Is it our welcoming hospitality? To many other communities throughout the state, and throughout the nation,...
August Chamber Spotlight- Nook & Cranny Reading- Kimberly Newquist Reading Coach
BlogWe’ve all heard the saying “it takes a village.” That can easily be equated to raising children. As parents, its piece of mind when we find experts who can help our children reach their highest potential. It’s...
July Chamber Spotlight- Hayden Outdoors Real Estate, Mattison Ference
BlogSometimes life can throw us curve balls. We spend years thinking ahead before college, we anticipate our future career while we learn our trade and wait for the opportunity to work in our selected career...
Loup Valley Childhood Initiative Launches Survey
BlogThe child care industry impacts local families and growth potential for our community. LVCI is working to build continued support for child care providers and sustainability for our community’s child care needs. Your community...
June Chamber Spotlight- Hackel Construction
BlogWhen you think of someone who works in the construction industry, what are some standard characteristics that come to mind? Handy? Loves the outdoors? Hardworking? Where does effective communicator fall on your...
VCED Selects Local Leader as New Executive Director
BlogValley County Economic Development has announced Becky Ries as the new Executive Director of the county-wide economic development office. Ries assumed her position on May 9. Ries is a familiar face in Valley County, where she has...
May Chamber Spotlight- The Florette
BlogThe history that lies within a town is what can set it apart from the rest. The buildings, the stories, and the characters of past years, all contribute to the legacy and vibrancy of a community. Sometimes, the...
Quarterly Report- April 2022
BlogChildcare, Business Retention/Expansion/Transition, Housing and Tourism are four areas of focus determined by the Valley County Economic Development Board at their 2021 Strategic Planning Session. The April 2022 Quarterly Report...
April Chamber Spotlight- Elev8 308
BlogImagine starting a new business. The idea sounds a little scary but may not if that business involves doing something you love. Now, imagine starting that business in a community more than a three-hour drive from...
New Business Owner Chooses to Do Business in Ord
BlogAs you make your way through downtown Ord, you’ll notice a lot of new activity at the corner of 16th and K Street. That’s because a new business is not only up and running, it’s thriving. Vehicles fill the parking lot, customers pop in...
Quarterly Report – January 2022
BlogChildcare, Business Retention/Expansion/Transition, Housing and Tourism are four areas of focus determined by the Valley County Economic Development Board at their 2021 Strategic Planning Session. The January 2022 Quarterly Report...
Celebrate Sandhill Crane Season at The Golden Husk
BlogEmbark on a journey to learn all about Sandhill Cranes and creative expression during the “Introducing Sandy Crane” book event featuring author/illustrator Paula Warner, at The Golden Husk Theatre on Saturday, January 22,...
Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Initiative to Strengthen Nebraska Hometowns
BlogA new statewide initiative known as Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems is strengthening six Greater Nebraska hometowns. The three-year community-building experience will work to bolster entrepreneurial ecosystems in Valley County,...
September Chamber Spotlight- Gumb Auction & Realty, Inc.
BlogBusiness succession can be a topic entrepreneurs avoid. When an individual turns their passion into a business, they usually dream of sharing that passion with their children and passing the legacy they’ve created on to them...
Valley County Partners Enhance Recreational River Access
BlogSeveral community partners have teamed up to capitalize on one of Valley County’s cherished natural resources – the North Loup River – to boost outdoor recreation and economic activity. The North Loup River Water Trail...
The Florette to Transition to New Business Owner
Live in Ord, Work in Ord(Ord, NE) – Exciting News at The Florette! In September, Gene and Susan Radke will welcome Kate Zangger as the new owner of The Florette. The Florette’s history dates back to 1936. There have been many owners...
August Chamber Spotlight- Popcorn County USA
BlogSometimes the best way to reconnect with a memory is through our senses. A simple smell or taste can take you right back to a special moment or fond memory. The smell of a certain flower could take you back to...
July Chamber Spotlight – Shear Bliss
BlogAfter a long break from in person pampering, thanks to COVID, I’m sure we all have a newfound appreciation for the “bliss” we feel after a fresh haircut from a salon professional. At home manicures, pedicures and hair...
Downtown Ord Alumni Weekend Passport
BlogThe weekend of July 4th isn’t just about trying to create the best backyard barbeque or avoiding burning your fingers on a firecracker, it’s also about coming together. It could be coming together as a family, as...
CDA Seeking Proposals for Property Development
Live in Ord, Work in OrdThe Community Development Agency of the City of Ord is seeking proposals from qualified developers to purchase and develop the vacant property at 305 S. 16th Street in Ord, Nebraska (Lots 1 and 2, Block 37, Original). The...
Rural Prosperity Nebraska Receives Boost from CARES Act
Live in Ord, Work in OrdLincoln, Neb. —The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Rural Prosperity Nebraska initiative, along with six Nebraska economic development and Chamber of Commerce organizations, has received more than $400,000...
June Chamber Spotlight – The Ord Locker
BlogWhen it comes to picking the best cut of meat, “I’d rather take the butcher’s word for it.” Whether you recognize that quote or not, most of us would agree that meat lockers are not only important to local ag producers, but...
Valley County Welcomes Rural Fellow Interns
BlogValley County is lucky to be one of several communities across the state of Nebraska to host interns through Rural Prosperity Nebraska. Please welcome Clare Umutoni & Kaylee Burnside! Here’s what Clare has to say about...
Area Businesses Come Together
BlogThe Ord Area Chamber of Commerce was thrilled to host the first ever Downtown Coffee Connections gathering on May 20, 2021 at Jubilee Events & Catering in Downtown Ord. Approximately 25 business owners, employees,...
May Chamber Spotlight- Nicole Dennis Fitness & Training
BlogIt is the dream of many small business entrepreneurs. Move to a new town, open a business and become successful. Most of us watching from the outside don’t see the steps it takes to go from newcomer to success,...
Big Give to Valley County 2021- Creating a Tradition of Philanthropy
BlogValley County was established 148 years ago on March 17th, 1873. Since its creation, Valley County has grown into an area where people are truly committed to a spirit of philanthropy, deeply rooted in a tradition of giving back and...
Valley County’s Annual Celebration Goes Virtual
BlogThis past Friday, March 12th, Valley County Economic Development, the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce and Valley County Community Foundation Fund “honored the goodness” of 2020 with a Virtual Annual Celebration. In a year that...
Labor Substitue List
BlogThe Ord Area Chamber of Commerce is expanding their assistance to area businesses with a Labor Substitute List. Finding individuals who are looking for low hour, part-time, seasonal or temporary job positions can be...
VCED Accepting Bids for Property Demo
BlogPublic notice and invitation is hereby given by the Valley County Economic Development (VCED) Board of Directors to submit sealed proposals for furnishing all permits, equipment, transportation, tools, materials, labor and skills...
Holiday Shopping Store Hours
BlogThe Holiday shopping season is upon us, which means area businesses are extending their hours to allow everyone more time to purchase their holiday gift items. Here is a look at some area business store hours for the holiday season:...
2020 Local Holiday Shopping Guide
BlogIt’s holiday shopping time! Whether you’re looking for gifts for friends or family, local area business have just what you need. Shopping local has never been more important. Instead of traveling to the big cities, check...
Loup Valley Childhood Initiative Awarded Preschool Development Grant Funding for an Early Childhood Community Coordinator
BlogLoup Valley Childhood Initiative has recently been awarded a contract through Nebraska Children and Families Foundation to fund hiring an Early Childhood Community Coordinator as well as dollars to implement resources and education...
Ord Area Chamber and Burwell Area Chamber Host Second Co-Chamber Scavenger Hunt
BlogIn July, the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce and the Burwell Chamber of Commerce joined together to host their first Co-Chamber Scavenger Hunt. Thanks to the success of the first event, a second scavenger hunt as added to the list of...
Snowball Drop goes Virtual in 2020
BlogCoronavirus has taken away several community events this year, but it will not take away the opportunity to win Snowball Savings! The 2020 Snowball Drop will be a virtual event. This is good news for community members out of town for...
Ord Area Chamber and VCED Revamp Micro-loan Project Eligibility
BlogThe Ord Area Chamber of Commerce and Valley County Economic Development recently updated project eligibility for the two microloans offered through each organization. Both programs offer 0% interest loans with a five-year term...
Business Promotions for WinterFest and Small Business Saturday
BlogThe first snow of the season has fallen, which means WinterFest and Small Business Saturday are right around the corner! The 2020 WinterFest and Small Business Saturday will take place on Saturday, November 28, 2020. Because of...
CinTrese Boutique – October Chamber Spotlight
Blog“Nothing sparkles like a diamond from CinTrese Boutique.” For almost 6 years, CinTrese Boutique has been providing the community with a variety of retail items to purchase. Tucked in the northwest corner of the downtown square,...
VCED Seeking Proposals for Property Redevelopment
BlogValley County Economic Development (VCED) seeks proposals from qualified developers to purchase and redevelop the property at 100 N. 15th Street in Ord, Nebraska. The preferred use is commercial retail or office space. Proposals should...
Pathway Bank – September 2020 Chamber Spotlight
BlogPathway Bank may not have always been its name but serving friends and neighbors in rural communities has always been its game. Pathway Bank was established in 1902 and was originally named Cairo State Bank. As its name...
VCED & Chamber Welcome New Program Coordinator
BlogValley County Economic Development (VCED) and the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce have welcomed Katie Walmsley as the organizations’ new Program Coordinator. “I am so excited to not only be working as the Program Coordinator for the...
New Collaboration in Valley County – Loup Valley Childhood Initiative
BlogThis past April, Valley County was selected to be part of Nebraska Children and Families Foundation Communities for Kids, a state-wide initiative which supports young children, families and those providing their care. The...
Shear Bliss – August 2020 Chamber Spotlight
BlogOn the northwest corner of the downtown square in Ord, you’ll find bliss in the form of a fresh haircut or a new style, a shiny new manicure or pedicure and the bliss that goes along with being pampered at Shear Bliss. The Shear Bliss...
The Golden Husk – July 2020 Chamber Spotlight
BlogWhether it’s an opera, community theatre, concert or movie showing, the historic theatre in downtown Ord has served as a gathering space for the regional area since it was built in 1930. The Golden Husk’s name is derived from the...
47 County Business Boost Adds +$80,000 to Local Economy
BlogThe 47 County Business Boost gift card program has infused $80,471 into the local business community during the past six weeks. Of that total, $55,471 were from reported gift card sales at participating Valley County businesses and...
City of Ord’s CDA Accepting Bids for Property Demo
BlogNotice of Invitation to Submit Bids The Community Development Agency of the City of Ord, Nebraska (“CDA”) is accepting sealed bids for the demolition, disposal and backfilling of the properties described below: The house and old Quiz...
Help Give Valley County Businesses a Boost
BlogTwenty-six Valley County businesses are participating in the 47 County Business Boost program, an initiative designed by Valley County Economic Development, Ord City Council and the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce to assist businesses in...
VCED & Ord Area Chamber Announce Interim Executive Director
BlogKristina Foth has been named Interim Executive Director of Valley County Economic Development and the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce. Foth will fill the vacancy created by Trevor Lee, who announced his resignation in February to pursue...
Valley County Businesses Encouraged to Opt-In to “47 County Business Boost” Gift Card Program
BlogThe Ord Area Chamber of Commerce, Valley County Economic Development and City of Ord are announcing something new – the 47 County Business Boost gift card program – an initiative designed to help Valley County businesses...
Hand Sanitizer Available for Valley County Businesses & Organizations
BlogThe Ord Area Chamber of Commerce has 150 gallons of hand sanitizer available (at no cost) for Valley County businesses and organizations. One representative from a business or organization can pick up a gallon at the Ord Area Chamber...
Valley County Together – COVID-19 Resources
BlogRepresentatives from the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce, Valley County Economic Development, City of Ord, Valley County Community Foundation Fund, Valley County Tourism, Ord Public Schools and Valley County Health System are...
COVID-19 Toolkit for Small Businesses
BlogAs of April 14, 2020 Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry has compiled information pertaining to Business & Industry and COVID-19 from resources including: Nebraska Department...
City of Ord Press Release Regarding COVID-19
BlogFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 17, 2020 ORD, NEBRASKA-In response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the City of Ord has been monitoring various governmental agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Center for Disease...
Ag Pro Insurance – March 2020 Chamber Spotlight
BlogAgriculture has been the foundation of Ag Pro Insurance since Steve Vech sold his first crop insurance policy in 1975 but the company has grown to offer a more diverse selection of insurance products since then. Steve’s first insurance...
VCED Seeks Candidates for Executive Director Post
BlogValley County Economic Development (VCED), a county-wide economic development organization located in Ord, NE, is looking for its next Executive Director. Big picture: Under the direction of the VCED Board, the Director coordinates all...
Valley County Economic Development Director Stepping Down
BlogAfter nearly seven years in Ord, Valley County’s economic development director is stepping down in March to take a job in Beatrice. Trevor Lee, 34, has led economic development efforts in Ord and the surrounding communities since...
2020 Local Valentine’s Day Shopping Guide
BlogShare the love with not only your Valentines but with local businesses and organizations as well! Grab some great Valentine’s Day gift ideas below or download the 2020 Local Valentine’s Day Shopping Guide. #1 FLOWERS The...
Linda’s Preschool & After School Program – February 2020 Chamber Spotlight
BlogHer deep passion for offering high-quality preschool activities and exceptional care for children emanates from Linda Horner when asked about Linda’s Preschool & After School Program. She and her husband, Paul, started the business...
A Year-in-Review: 2019 Ord Area Chamber Annual Report
BlogThe Ord Area Chamber of Commerce served it’s members and the area community in powerful ways in 2019. From buy local campaigns, assisting with tourism efforts, business-focused workshops and all of the invaluable promotions that...
Apply Today for Ord Home Rehabilitation Funds
BlogAre you tired of letting your energy prices leak through your doors and windows? Does your home need some TLC through repairs and improvements? Need to improve access to areas of your home? If so, the City of Ord may be able to help....
City Accepting Bids for Personal Property
BlogThe Community Develop NOTICE OF INVITATION TO SUBMIT BIDS The Community Development Agency of the City of Ord, Nebraska (“CDA”) is accepting sealed bids for the purchase of all personal property and equipment in the old Ord Quiz...
Viaero Wireless – November 2019 Chamber Spotlight
BlogConnections are the foundation of every interaction. You connect with your family, your friends, your job and your community, whether it’s a smile at the grocery store or calling your parents for an overdue chat. For Viaero...
City of Ord ‘Three-peats’ Economic Development Readiness Certification
Live in Ord, Work in OrdThe City of Ord, which pioneered one of the first and few programs of its kind in the country, has now become the first community on the list to earn re-certification approval for a third time. The program is the Nebraska Economic...
A New Resource for Valley County Destinations
Give to Valley County, Play in Ord, Work in OrdThe Valley County Tourism Committee has developed a new resource for tourism destinations in Valley County, Nebraska. The Tourism Destination Development Fund was created to provide funding to help improve existing or create new...
The Cost of Driving to Your Savings
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Work in OrdYou may think you’re racking up all sorts of savings when you make a trip out of town to stock up on things you need. Groceries, household items and other products and services may seem cheaper at a big box store located 60+ miles...
4 Reasons To Do Your Back-to-School Shopping Local
Live in Ord, Work in OrdTis the season for a sharp box of crayons, fresh glue sticks, new tennis shoes and the next size up in jeans for your kiddos who are heading back to school in a few weeks. It may only take 10 minutes to fill your online shopping cart...
5 Reasons to Shop Sidewalk Sales
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdThe annual Sidewalk Sales event will soon be here! Twenty-one participating Chamber businesses are offering great sales, tasty treats and open doors for you to come explore what they have to offer. Plus, there’s a chance for you...
Loup Valley Dental – July 2019 Chamber Spotlight
Live in Ord, Work in OrdHaving grown up around her family’s dental office in York, Nebraska, Dr. Arielle Brinkman is now paving her own way as owner of Loup Valley Dental in Ord. Two years ago, Dr. Brinkman moved to Ord and began working for a local dentist....
15 Things for Kids to Do this Summer in Valley County
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdSummer 2019 has officially begun and while you’re kiddo may be thrilled with their summertime freedom and time off from school, you’re just waiting for the inevitable “I’m bored.” mentality to kick in....
On The Fringe – May 2019 Chamber Spotlight
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdUtilizing her innate creativity and pursuing an artistic hobby combined with the power of social media and networking has led to a new entrepreneurial venture for Kate Zangger. Kate has been creating fringe and macramé products since...
Jeffres Sand & Gravel – March 2019 Chamber Spotlight
Live in Ord, Work in OrdThe landscape and infrastructure of our Central Nebraska area has certainly evolved over time just like Jeffres Sand & Gravel has, the locally owned company based in Burwell, Nebraska that has played a part in many of those changes...
Comprehensive List of Flood Relief Resources & Donation Needs for Valley County & Surrounding Area
Give to Valley County, Live in OrdAfter receiving dozens of inquiries about resources for flood victims and how area community members can support those in need during and after this natural disaster, we have compiled a list of resources, donation drop off sites and...
Valley County Receives $8,500 Grant for Tourism Marketing
Play in Ord, Work in OrdThe Nebraska Tourism Commission recently announced recipients of their annual Community Impact and Tourism Marketing Grant programs. Valley County Tourism and the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce received the requested amount of $8,500 for...
New Sales Tax Rate Effective April 1
Live in Ord, Work in OrdDuring the General Election in November 2018, 68% of Ord voters elected to implement an additional 0.5% sales tax to pay for the Ord swimming pool bond that was approved in 2016. The new state and city tax rate of 7.5% will become...
The Vibrant Future Fund: The Perfect Gift for Valley County
Give to Valley County, Live in OrdThe Vibrant Future Fund-Unrestricted Endowment is the perfect gift for Valley County this Christmas and all those to come with future generations. Through the amazing generosity of people who care about Valley County, we have raised...
Shopko Rapid Response Team Formed
Work in OrdOne week ago, Wisconsin-based Shopko announced the planned closure of at least 39 stores around the U.S. Unfortunately, Shopko Hometown Ord is on that list. According to Shopko spokeswoman Michelle Hansen, the company reviewed the...
ORD VOTERS ASKED TO WEIGH OPTIONS TO SERVICE POOL BOND
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Play in OrdArticle submitted for The Ord Quiz October 31, 2018 By Trevor Lee – Director, Valley County Economic Development Thousands of volunteer hours and donations have been invested since 2013 in order to align funds needed to replace the...
Normal Roasting Company – November 2018 Chamber Spotlight
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Work in OrdThere’s something special happening on the northwest corner of the square in Burwell. It’s home to a type of business you don’t normally find in rural Nebraska. A small batch, specialty coffee roastery. Normal Roasting Company. Josh...
New Neighborhoods Accepting Bids for 3 Spec Homes
Live in OrdAre you contractor interested in constructing homes in the Rolling Hills Subdivision? Then you are in the right place! Below is the advertisement for bids for homes on lots 36, 39, and 40 of the Rolling Hills Subdivision. Please note...
Professional Eyecare – October 2018 Chamber Spotlight
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Work in OrdProfessional Eyecare has been offering superior care for their patients ever since 1975 when Dr. Roger McCartney opened the practice in the basement of what is now Great Western Bank in downtown Ord. After outgrowing their original...
Knight Trucking – September 2018 Chamber Spotlight
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Work in OrdThere “ain’t no feelin’ like cowmobeelin.” You’ll find this phrase on the back of all Knight Trucking trailers as they travel throughout Nebraska and beyond hauling livestock. The values of this soon-to-be third generation business are...
Social Media Training Sparks New Ideas for Local Businesses
Work in OrdOver thirty business owners, business professionals and non-profit leaders attended the Mike Bitter Social Media training held in Ord last Wednesday, August 22. The training focused on how to utilize Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to...
School-to-Work Benefits Youth & Local Businesses
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Work in OrdAnother school year is upon us which means another year of School-to-Work (STW) – a program coordinated by the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce, Valley County Economic Development and Ord Public Schools. STW engages Ord High School...
Loup Valley Ag Society – August 2018 Chamber Spotlight
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdThe Valley County Fairgrounds is a staple destination in Valley County. Events held at the grounds have been bringing people together for decades from both near and far. The first Valley County Fair was held in 1902. The site was...
Smith Chiropractic – July 2018 Chamber Spotlight
Live in Ord, Work in OrdTo fulfill a dream and enjoy the rural Nebraska lifestyle, Dr. Taylor Smith moved to Ord with his family in 2016 and opened Smith Chiropractic in April that same year. Dr. Smith has been serving individuals and families ever since to...
Good Life Pharmacy – June 2018 Chamber Spotlight
Work in OrdSince January 1996, Ray Scott, James Andreesen and Angie Svoboda have been growing Good Life Pharmacy in numerous ways. Geographically, they have expanded their business to include three independently owned locations in Ord, Albion and...
Opportunity Zone Creates Additional Incentive for Private Investment
Work in OrdThe U.S. Treasury Department in April announced 44 “opportunity zones” in Nebraska. The Nebraska areas were among hundreds approved in 15 states. One of them includes all of Ord and a fair share of Valley County. The zones encompass...
Destination Business Workshop Inspires Business Growth
Live in Ord, Work in OrdWhat makes your business unique? How do you share your story? What tools do you use to effectively promote your business? How do you advertise your business? Last week, Jon Schallert, America’s Destination Business expert, shared...
Ag Pro Insurance – January 2018 Chamber Spotlight
Live in Ord, Work in OrdWith over 40 years of experience in the insurance industry, Ag Pro Insurance, Inc. has evolved into a full service independent agency offering several options to make sure your crops, home, livestock and other assets are protected....
Social Media Made Simple – Free Seminar & Networking Event
Work in OrdAll small business owners will benefit from this presentation that is designed to provide you with information about how to start using social media to grow your business. Mike doesn’t mess around. He’ll give you never...
Valley County Celebrates WinterFest & Small Business Saturday
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdWinterFest & Small Business Saturday in Valley County was complete with Santa, snowballs, shopping, soup supper, sing-alongs and a whole lot of holiday cheer! The day began with the Snowball Drop on the Valley County Courthouse...
Main Street Gallery – November 2017 Chamber Spotlight
Play in Ord, Work in OrdThe corner of 414 Main Street in North Loup, Nebraska is one full of rich history and commerce. The historic building was originally a bank in 1912. By the 1930’s, it became part of the postal system, serving as North Loup’s post...
Business Discovery Day Sparks New Learnings & Experiences for Local Youth
Live in Ord, Work in OrdWednesday, October 25 was a day of entrepreneurial discovery for the next generation of local business leaders. Thirty students from Arcadia, Central Valley and Ord took part in the 6th Annual Business Discovery Day to delve deeper...
Scratchtown Brewing Company – October 2017 Chamber Spotlight
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in Ord, beer, brewery, Nebraska, Ord, scratchtown, tourismA little bit of water, malt, hops and yeast and a whole lot of passion and determination has created a thriving destination business in downtown Ord. Opening their doors in October of 2013, Scratchtown Brewing Company became the...
Anderson Pharmacy – September 2017 Chamber Spotlight
Work in OrdThe story of Anderson Pharmacy began in 1971 with the original owners, Bob and Bonnie Anderson. After being approached by Bonnie with ideas for transitioning the business, current owners, Mike & Sue Blaha, thought it was a good...
Student-Business Connections
Work in OrdLocal businesses have an important opportunity to help grow our community and retain valuable human capital. We all play a role. Parents and family members, teachers and guidance counselors, friends and neighbors. The support and...
Hackel Construction, Inc. – August 2017 Chamber Spotlight
Work in OrdFrom schools, banks, retail space, and everything in between, Hackel Construction, Inc. has constructed quality facilities and homes within a four hour radius of Ord throughout the past 15 years. Tanner Hackel, President and Project...
Tour de Nebraska Brings Business & Philanthropy to Valley County
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdValley County’s population increased by 500+ the weekend of June 23 when Tour de Nebraska rolled into town for their 30th anniversary bicycle tour. After beginning their journey in St. Paul on Tuesday, the cyclists from 25 states and...
J&J Sanitation – June 2017 Chamber Spotlight
Work in OrdSafety. Integrity. Customer Service. Those are the core values of the team at J&J Sanitation, the dedicated waste removal service provider for over 25 towns in their service area. Safety is their number one value – the goal of...
It Takes A Village
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Play in OrdThey say it takes a village to raise a child. It also takes a village to welcome 450+ visitors to your community during one weekend. The population of Ord will temporarily grow the weekend of June 23 as we welcome cyclists...
Healing Hearts & Families – May 2017 Chamber Spotlight
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Work in OrdThe name speaks for itself. Healing Hearts & Families. The compassionate, caring and proactive staff and volunteers at Healing Hearts & Families do just that. They heal individuals’ and families’ hearts that have unfortunately...
Valley County Offers Limitless Opportunities for Local Youth
Live in Ord, Work in OrdAuthors, welders, pharmacists, veterinarians, mechanics, physical therapists. These are just a few professions 2017 Ord and Arcadia graduates aspire to achieve following their high school graduation. Every year we ask high school...
Miller’s Chillers – September 2016 Chamber Spotlight
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdOwning a business was a lifelong dream for Carri Miller. After working in other industries and working part-time for the previous owners, Carri decided to take the leap and purchase what is now known as Miller’s Chillers, located on...
Intentional Discovery during School-to-Work
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Work in OrdBill Philips, an American entrepreneur and author, wisely stated, “The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do.” Every opportunity to learn, discover and grow is invaluable. Creating opportunities for youth...
City of Ord Receives $276,000 for Planned Ord Aquatic Center
BlogThe City of Ord announced yesterday that the Ord Aquatic Center received $276,000 from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s (DED) Civic and Community Center Financing Fund (CCCFF). In a letter announcing the grant, Steve...
Agland Electric & Irrigation – July 2016 Chamber Member Spotlight
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Work in OrdThroughout the past 17 years, Agland Electric & Irrigation has expanded their product and service offerings, grown their workforce team and built trusting relationships with customers. Their story begins in 1999 when Agland...
New ChamberBucks Design Will Soon Enter Circulation
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdSince 2010, nearly $250,000 in Ord Area ChamberBucks have been sold meaning nearly a quarter of a million dollars has been contributed to our local business community in ChamberBucks alone! The ChamberBucks program has matured into a...
Great Western Bank – May 2016 Chamber Member Spotlight
Give to Valley County, Work in OrdOn the northeast corner of downtown Ord, you’ll find Great Western Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Great Western Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: GWB). Great Western Bank is a full-service, regional financial services company, focused on...
Wadas, Inc. – April 2016 Chamber Member Spotlight
Work in OrdWadas Inc. began as Elyria Farm Fertilizer Service in February 1956. They began selling fertilizer and diversified their business during the winter months by selling propane. The name changed to Wadas Fertilizer & Propane Inc. and...
Valley County Health System – March 2016 Chamber Member Spotlight
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Work in OrdBased in Ord, Nebraska, Valley County Health System (VCHS) is a growing not-for-profit, county-owned health system that includes a 16-bed Critical Access Hospital, three rural health clinics, a specialty clinic, and home health and...
The Golden Husk – February 2016 Chamber Member Spotlight
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdCultivating a creative community. That is the mission of The Golden Husk, the historic theater located in downtown Ord named after the beautiful acoustical walls constructed with corn husks. The Valley Performing Arts Theater (VPAT),...
Develop, Engage & Retain Talent for Your Business
Live in Ord, Work in OrdEnsure the right talent is in place for your business by attending the Maximizing Human Capital Workshop being offered by the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce, Valley County Economic Development (VCED) and Central Community College (CCC)...
Culligan Water Conditioning of Broken Bow – November 2015 Chamber Member Spotlight #1
Live in Ord, Work in OrdCulligan Water Conditioning of Broken Bow has been a staple business in our regional community since July 6, 1948. Owners, Dell Moninger and Tim Wright purchased the business in June 2006 and moved the business to its current home at...
CinTrese Boutique – October 2015 Chamber Member Spotlight #2
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdOn October 24, 2015, one of the newest businesses in downtown Ord will be celebrating their one year anniversary. After 15 years in the medical field, Cindy Struckman and Teresa Lange pursued their dreams of owning a gift and jewelry...
Sports Shed, Etc. – October 2015 Chamber Member Spotlight #1
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdAs he approached retirement, Ken Petska felt he still needed something to fill his time. His love for hunting and fishing ignited the purposeful idea to open a sporting goods store in Ord, Nebraska. Not only would Ken be able to spend...
Bethel Baptist Church – September 2015 Chamber Spotlight
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdGatherings on Sunday mornings are filled with gratitude, fellowship and smiles at Bethel Baptist Church in Ord. Bethel Baptist Church believes the Bible is God’s word and is our final authority in all matters of faith and practice....
Professional Eyecare – August 2015 Chamber Member Spotlight #1
Live in Ord, Work in OrdThe past 40 years for Professional Eyecare and the Eyewear Gallery are certainly worthy of celebration. Dr. Roger McCartney opened Professional Eyecare on September 1, 1975. Twenty-five years later in 2000, Dr. Brandon Blair joined the...
CCC Ord Learning Center – July 2015 Chamber Member Spotlight #2
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdCentral Community College (CCC) has generously invested in the Valley County area by creating valuable opportunities for residents and businesses at the CCC Ord Learning Center. Central Community College expanded its educational...
Envision Ord – Comprehensive Plan Update
Ord Comp PlanThe City of Ord is updating its Comprehensive Plan, a long-range 20-year plan that sets the framework for the physical development of the city. Ord originally developed its Comprehensive Plan in 1999; periodic updates of the plan are...
Ord Sports Chiropractic & Wellness – June 2015 Chamber Member Spotlight #2
Live in Ord, Work in OrdThe opportunities to return to Valley County were certainly appealing to Dr. Luke Staab. Shortly following his graduation from Logan School of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, the Ord High School alumni...
Ord Grocery Kart – June 2015 Chamber Member Spotlight #1
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Work in OrdJune 30, 1996 was the beginning of progressive growth for a local business in our community when the Ord Grocery Kart opened after purchasing the former Cetak’s grocery store. They started with 11 employees and have since grown their...
Community Builders to be Held in Ord
Live in Ord, Work in OrdThe Central Community College – Ord Learning Center would like to invite you to be a part of the next Community Builders event which will take place in Ord on Wednesday, May 20th. The event is a wonderful way to connect with...
Chamber Receives $11,250 Grant
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdThe Ord Area Chamber of Commerce is honored to announce they have received a Nebraska Tourism Marketing grant for $11,250 to optimize www.OrdNebraska.com for mobile viewing. The mobile optimization of the website will provide...
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church – March 2015 Chamber Member Spotlight #2
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdA wholesome history exists within the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church of Ord. “In July of 1908, Bishop Richard Schannel sent Father Wenceslaus W. Kroupa to Ord to organize a new parish. The first recorded Baptism was...
Ord Housing Authority – March 2015 Chamber Member Spotlight #1
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in Ord“The Ord Housing Authority was established in 1963 with the Parkview Village Four Plexes and has continued to grow over the years. In 1971, thirty scattered site 2 to 4 bedroom homes with garages, eighteen apartments at Parkview...
VCED Soliciting Lease Bids for Industrial Site
Work in OrdPUBLIC NOTICE The Valley County Economic Development Board will receive bids for the lease of all or part of 14.49 acres, more or less, of transitional agricultural land located adjacent and west of Green Plains Ord, LLC between...
Local Youth Embrace Entrepreneurship Opportunity with Y.E.S.
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdThe entrepreneurial spirit is characterized by innovation, risk taking and the rare gift to build successful businesses. This innate spirit is considered to be an essential part of a nation’s ability to succeed in an ever changing and...
Maschka’s Building Center – November 2014 Chamber Member Spotlight
Live in Ord, Work in OrdAs you drive through Arcadia, Nebraska you will discover a buzz of activity at Maschka’s Building Center. As a full service building center, customers frequent Maschka’s for everything from simple home improvement projects to new...
Youth Business Day Empowers Innovation and Partnership
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdInnovation…Leadership…Entrepreneurship…Rural Opportunities…were the focus of the 4th Annual Business Discovery Day, held on Wednesday, October 22nd at the Central Community College-Ord Learning Center and Ord High School. Business...
Seeking Local Workforce at Career Fairs
Live in Ord, Work in OrdAre you actively seeking talent for your business? If you are searching for the right person to join your team, the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce and Valley County Economic Development can help! On Tuesday, October 14, 2014, Chamber and...
Grandview Assisted & Indep. Living – September 2014 Chamber Member Spotlight
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdAs you drive north on 19th Street in Ord, you come across a grand view of a warm and welcoming two-story brick building that serves as a home to many local residents. Grandview Assisted and Independent Living has provided a fun,...
Heartland Youth Ranch: July 2014 Chamber Member Spotlight
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdApproximately 4.5 miles south of Ord along Highway 11, you’ll find Heartland Youth Ranch – a unique organization dedicated to building bonds between family members, empowering youth and simply bring joy to people of all ages. Founders...
ESI Camp Creating a Strong Sense of Hope
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdThere was a bustling of innovative energy on the courthouse lawn this past Friday as youth entrepreneurs set up their business booths for the ESI Market Place event. As supportive family and community members filled the courthouse...
Ord Pool Project: Let’s Make a Splash!
Live in Ord, Play in OrdLet’s Make a Splash is a campaign to replace the existing 1978 Ord municipal swimming pool with a new outdoor aquatic center. The goal of the Splash Committee is to construct a new outdoor swimming pool with zero depth entry, four (4)...
New Neighborhoods Accepting Bids for Spec Homes
Live in OrdAre you contractor interested in constructing homes in the Rolling Hills Subdivision? Then you are in the right place! Below is the advertisement for bids for homes on lots 2 and 3 of the Rolling Hills Subdivision. Please note that...
Ord Does it Again!
Live in Ord, Work in OrdThe City of Ord, which pioneered one of the first and few programs of its kind in the country, has now become the first community on the list to earn re-certification approval for a second time. The program is the Nebraska Economic...
The Importance of Planning for Business Transitions
Live in Ord, Work in OrdWhether you have owned your retail store, service business or farming operation for 5 years or 50 years, it is never too early to begin thinking about a business transition plan. You will not only be doing yourself and your family a...
I Love Valley County Video Released
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdIt’s finally complete! The new I Love Valley County promotional video illustrates the great opportunities to LIVE, WORK, PLAY and GIVE in Valley County, Nebraska. If you are from Valley County, you may recognize some friendly...
Funds Available for Rehabilitation of Rental Properties
Live in Ord, Work in OrdFunds are available to assist the owners of rental property to rehabilitate and improve the health and safety of their rental units. These no-interest loans are available to property owners who agree to and meet the qualifications of...
Home Rehabilitation Funds Available to City of Ord Homeowners
Live in Ord, Work in OrdAre you tired of letting your energy prices leak through your doors and windows? Does your home need some TLC through repairs and improvements? Need to improve access to areas of your home? If so, we may be able to help. The City of...
Valley County Introduces Dynamic Leadership Development Academy
Give to Valley County, Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in Ord, Chamber of Commerce, civic engagement, economic development, entrepreneurship, leadership, Leadership Development, Ord Area Chamber of Commerce, Ord Nebraska, Philanthropy, rural development, small business, social media, Valley County, Valley County Economic Development, Valley County Nebraska, volunteer, workforce developmentSynoVation Valley Leadership Academy (SVLA) is a new, dynamic leadership development program that will go far beyond the basic civic engagement and leadership awareness topics. SVLA combines three grand strategies to help participants...
Economic Development Fund Update
Work in OrdNovember sales tax receipts for the Ord city sales tax program for economic development are reported below. Sales tax receipts for the economic development fund are available for a variety of uses including low interest loans for...
Valley County Economic Development Hires New HTC Coordinator
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdOrd, NE: The Valley County Economic Development Board has appointed Dahn Hagge as the new HomeTown Competitiveness (HTC) Coordinator. Hagge will develop and coordinate HTC programs focused on developing local leadership, energizing...
Ord Area Chamber & VCCFF Work to Retain Youth
Live in Ord, Work in OrdThe Valley County Community Foundation Fund and the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce are collaborating in an effort to increase awareness among local high school seniors of the opportunities to remain in or return to Valley County....
New Housing Development at Rolling Hills Open for Business
Live in OrdBelow is our official press release on one of our more recent developments that is open for business. I hear quite often how rural communities struggle to address their housing needs. Great people, great organizations and determination...
How can you support your community?
Live in OrdDid you know you can support your favorite local organizations with as little as $100 a year? The Valley County Community Foundation Fund, an affiliated fund with the Nebraska Community Foundation, supports community betterment through...
Why We Support LB 850
Work in Ord, LB 850, Nebraska, Ord Area Chamber of Commerce, rural, UnicamTomorrow, the Revenue Committee will be hearing testimony on legislative bill 850, an effort spearheaded by four rural senators concerned about the future of rural Nebraska. You can read about LB850 here. The bill proposes a tax credit...
Valley Co. Building Permits Way Up
Work in Ord, building permits, Ord Nebraska, Valley CountyNeed more evidence of the solid economic situation that blesses Valley County? Look no more than the accelerated rise in building permits over the past five years. 2010 blew away the previous four, with as many new home construction...
Three more months of good news?
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in Ord, Ord Nebraska, rural development, unemployment, Valley County Economic DevelopmentHow much good news can you handle? How about more evidence of strong economic growth in Valley County? Today we release our quarterly report which details the past three months of economic development, Chamber and tourism promotion...
Vision Valley County 2020: Where Do We Go From Here?
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdFour months of planning and design work has produced a road map for the future of Valley County. Prepared, designed and delivered by landscape architecture graduate students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Vision Valley County...
Business Plan Basics Training Offered for Local Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Live in Ord, Work in OrdThe Center for Rural Affairs’ Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) Women’s Business Center is collaborating with Valley County Economic Development and the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce to host a five-week Business Plan...
Help Support the Economic Future of Valley County
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdWhat kind of future do you want for Valley County? Do you value our rural communities, the people that live in them and the superior quality of life that we all enjoy? Then please consider supporting Valley County Economic Development....
Rural Home Loan Program Promotes Record Low-Interest Rates
Live in Ord, New Neighborhoods, Ord Nebraska, Rural HousingInterested in loan options for buying a home in Valley County? Folks over at USDA Rural Development have released information on new interest rates for rural homebuying loans. The press release is included below; these loans are...
Making Business Succession Happen
Work in OrdFifty-two percent of existing business owners will leave their business in just ten years or less, according to statistics provided by Gallup. If you look around Valley County and consider that the average age here is 45, that number...
Vision Valley County 2020
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdWhat do we want our community to look like in the next 5, 10, 20 or 50 years? How can we get there? Who can help us achieve those goals? More importantly, how were we going to get there? My board of directors and I asked ourselves the...
Lots Now Available at Rolling Hills Subdivision
Live in Ord(Ord, NE) – Are you interested in building a new home in Ord? Lots are now available for purchase at Rolling Hills Subdivision for interested buyers. Both market rate and income-qualified homes are eligible for construction....
Small Business is Big in Rural America
Work in Ord, Center for Rural Affairs, economic development, rural, small businessOur friends over at the Center for Rural Affairs have a spot-on post about small business in rural America. We felt like this article was well worth sharing because of the positive implications of a new tax credit designed to...
Ord Area Chamber Supports LR226
Live in Ord, economic development, Ord NebraskaBelow is my written testimony in support of LR226, a legislative resolution that would establish a study on population decline. I, along with Heather Sikyta (a local attorney and the VP of the Chamber Board of Directors), will be...
Valley County Employment Returns to Pre-Recession Levels
Work in Ord, economic development, job growth, Ord Nebraska, Valley County NebraskaIs it “the proof is in the pudding or the devil is in the details”? Either way, data don’t lie: 2011 Valley County employment has returned to pre-recession levels. In 2011, 58 jobs have been created, bringing us...
Solving Population Decline in Rural Nebraska
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdRecently, we published a post regarding an upcoming town hall scheduled with Senator Kate Sullivan. You can read the details on the town hall here. One item that we mentioned in the post was LR226 – a legislative resolution that...
Envisioning a Bold Future for Ord and Valley County
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdOrd and Valley County has so much to offer in the way of history, heritage, culture and character. A great deal of work has been done to bring new businesses to the downtown, support the community with quality health care, invest in...
Small Business Development Driving Growth
Work in Ord, Daily Yonder, economic development, Ord Nebraska, Valley County Economic DevelopmentThe Daily Yonder, an authority on rural issues, has a great read that affirms the economic development strategy in Ord and Valley County: small, local businesses speed income growth. Apparently, researchers at Penn State have found...
Analysis: Census in Ord’s Favor
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in Ord, Great Plains, Ord Nebraska, ruralEditorial: Future of Valley County Depends on Working Together – Caleb Pollard If you look deeper into the trends of the recent 2010 Census, you’ll find very clear distinctions between Ord and rural Valley County. For the...
Applications Available for Rolling Hills Townhomes
Live in OrdApplications for the Rolling Hills Townhomes in Ord are available at the Valley County Economic Development office, 1514 K Street. The initial application will start the process of calculating an individual’s annual income and...
Rural Revitalization Starts from Within
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in Ord, economic development, LB 840, Ord Nebraska, rural revitalization, Valley County Economic Development, Valley County NebraskaBudget season is upon us and the occasion serves as a reminder of how rural communities maintain competitiveness and relevancy in a global 21st Century economy. After completing our 2011-2012 fiscal year budget for our fund for...
New Neighborhoods Update
Live in Ord, New Neighborhoods, Ord Nebraska, rural revitalizationThe end of July is bringing many new developments at the New Neighborhoods Project. Located at Rolling Hills Subdivision in Ord, street paving is set to begin on Friday, July 29th weather permitting. Storm sewers have been installed,...
eCommerce Solution for Ord Area Chamber Members
Live in Ord, Work in OrdThe Ord Area Chamber of Commerce has been awarded a $25,000 JOBS Grant for the development of an eCommerce website exclusive for local retail and service members. The Chamber will be soliciting feedback from business members on their...
Job Growth Strong in Rural Nebraska
Work in Ord, June jobs report, Ord Nebraska, unemployment, Valley County Economic Development, Valley County Nebraska, workforce shortageThe latest jobs report from the feds is looking rather abysmal, especially after private payroll processing company ADP released a slightly different version of those figures yesterday. This morning the feds are reporting an abysmal...
$37 Million Available for Value-Added Producer Grants
Work in Ord, Center for Rural Affairs, Value-added producer grantsCheck out a recent news release from our partners at the Center for Rural Affairs. — Lyons, NE – The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced that $37 million is available for the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG)...
JOBS Grant Awarded for eCommerce Solution
Work in OrdMy my, it’s been a wonderful week out of the office. Go on vacation yet the good news keeps coming – this time around we’ve found out that we’re being funded for our eCommerce tool for our local Chamber Business...
Brown’s Buy-Out Completed, New Business Coming to Ord
Work in Ord, microenterprise, Ord Nebraska, rural development, Valley County Economic Development(Ord, NE) – Ord City Council has approved funding for the buy-out of Brown’s His/Her Side on May 19, 2011 that will open the door for a new business open in downtown Ord. Valley Fire Pottery, the new tenant, will be an ecommerce and...
Volf Joins VCED
Work in Ord(Ord, NE) – Kristina Volf of Ord has joined Valley County Economic Development as Business Development and Marketing Specialist. Kristina is a 2011 graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Business Administration...
Wind Power in Nebraska: A New Era?
Work in Ord, Nebraska, wind powerOur friends over at the Center for Rural Affairs have a great piece on Nebraska’s increasingly competitive markets for wind power generation. Have a read below – this is stellar news. — Wind Power in Nebraska: A New...
New Tools Provide Members Added Visibility
Work in Ord(Ord, NE) – The Ord Area Chamber’s new website is receiving an ever-increasing volume of visitors each day – individuals who are looking for community information, tourism information, and products or services to purchase....
129 Year-Old Business Transitioning Owners
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in Ord(Ord, NE) – More major changes are coming to Ord’s downtown business district. Clay and Jennifer Ramsey of Sidney (formerly of Ord and St. Paul, respectively) will be purchasing both Misko Sports locations in Ord and Kearney, Nebraska....
An Innovative Way to Fund Essential Community Services
Live in Ord, Work in OrdMany of my colleagues and rural residents across Nebraska often ask me how they can fund essential community services like parks, recreation and the like. One brilliant idea is right here in Ord – Second Hand Rose. Second Hand...
Economic Development Quarterly Report Released
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in Ord, Ord Area Chamber of Commerce, Ord Neb, rural revitalization, Valley County Economic DevelopmentAnother three months down, and another three coming up. If you’ve seen the 80’s movie Spaceballs, I can certainly say we’ve entered Ludicrous Speed around our office. All the better to us – so many amazing...
Making Local Funds Work for You
Work in Ord, business incentives, microfinance, Ord NebraskaThis past Monday night, Ord City Council approved some significant changes to our sales tax loan program for economic development for the benefit of the community at large. First, we lowered our floor on interest rates to 2%. That...
Traveling Central Nebraska
Play in Ord, Big Rodeo, Central Nebraska, Loup River Scenic Byways, Ord Nebraska, Sandhill CranesI’m happy to post this guest blog from of Joe Laing, El Monte RV. They’ve taken notice of our area and offer their input for travelers on what to hit while vacationing in the Loup Valley. — An Unforgettable Ord Family...
What Does Ten Years of Economic Development Look Like?
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in Ord, economic development, Ord Nebraska, rural developmentWe are finalizing our 2010 Annual Report for our upcoming 2010 Awards Banquet (woo hoo!) and have added a new feature to this year’s report: a look back at ten years of economic development in Valley County. The look back is...
Economic Trends Report Show Resilience of Local Economy
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in Ord, economic development, Ord Nebraska, rural development, Valley CountyThe latest economic trends report is in – courtesy of our partners over at Nebraska Public Power District (hat tip to Jenny O). I’ve been looking forward to digging through this information because I wanted to see the...
What Happens When You Spend at Home?
Work in Ord, Buy Local, Ord Area Chamber of Commerce, Ord NebraskaIn 2010, the Ord Area Chamber launched a concerted effort to support local business by promoting a buy local campaign called the Ord option. We posted earlier this month the preliminary results from the effort: by conservative...
Boards Summit Part Deux
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in Ord, Ord Nebraska, rural revival, Valley CountyTonight the Valley County Board Summit will host part two in an effort to move a more collaborative governance strategy forward. The second meeting will be hosted at the Valley County Economic Development offices at 7pm tonight (1514 K...
Self-Employment Key to Expanding Rural America’s Revival
Work in Ord, economic development, Ord Nebraska, rural development, rural revivalDon Macke has long been a friend, supporter and mentor to economic development in Ord and Valley County. I was quite pleased to see a prescient article on the future of economic development in rural areas over at New Geography. Have...
2010 Economic Development Fund Use
Work in Ord, economic development, Ord Nebraska, Valley County, Valley County Economic DevelopmentWe are in the process of releasing our 2010 Annual Report and a decade-long look back at ten years of focused economic development in Valley County. The data has me both surprised and a little perplexed – in a very good way...
Valley County Boards Summit
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in Ord, Ord Nebraska, rural, rural development, Valley CountyWhat do we want Ord and Valley County to be when they grow up? Can we answer that? Do we have a vision for the next 10 years? While we all may have ideas on what it should be, the time is upon us to discuss those ideas and how we get...
Gems in the Valley
Play in OrdA cold November Saturday is one of those days just looking to be seized by the horns and enjoyed. Carpe diem, right? In Nebraska, weather dictates what you can and cannot do many times, but thankfully one of my favorite activities...
Valley County Wins Two Awards
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdOrd and Valley County were big winners last night at the 47th Annual Nebraska Community Improvement Program Awards Banquet. Ord won “Most Creative Website” from the Websites for Growth Award, an effort to recognize...
Importance of the Rural Grocery Store
Live in OrdOur friends over at the Center for Rural Affairs has a critical report released last week that highlights the importance of rural grocery stores to rural citizens. Count me as one who believes in this message and also as one who feels...
News from the Valley
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdHappy Friday! We have a lot of valuable information for you this month as we cover a lot of ground (literally) in the November Area Chamber Economic Development Report. You can download the report here. In this month’s issue, you’ll...
New Neighborhoods Breaks Ground Today
Live in Ord, Work in Ord, economic development, Ord Nebraska, rural revitalization, Valley County Economic DevelopmentToday, the City of Ord and its project partners celebrate the groundbreaking of the Ord New Neighborhoods Initiative. Join project partners, local leaders, Senator Kate Sullivan and Congressman Adrian Smith at the Rolling Hills...
New Technology Business Coming to Ord
Work in Ord(Ord, NE) – Technology First of Atkinson is pleased to announce it will be opening a new business in Ord, Nebraska. Tech 1st is owned by former Ord resident Dave Fredrick. Dave’s enthusiasm shows as he brings his business to Ord: “We...
City of Ord Announces New Neighborhoods Ceremony
Live in Ord, housing, New Neighborhoods, Ord Nebraska, rural development(Ord, NE) – After two years of planning and research, the New Neighborhoods Project is moving full-steam ahead. An official groundbreaking is scheduled for October 28th, 2010 at 1 pm, at the Rolling Hills project site. This project...
Economic News from the Valley
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in Ord, Buy Local, economic development, Ord Nebraska, rural living, Valley County NebraskaOctober is here and so are many good tidings! We’re happy to report strong economic growth in Ord and Valley County; we’re even more excited to share the news on many community celebrations that include new business...
Capturing Business Success
Work in Ord, economic development, NxBizSuccess, small businessNxBizSuccess, a partner organization of Valley County Economic Development, has released a whole host of new videos that are excellent technical assistance tools for local businesses. What works with these videos is that they all...
Good news keeps rolling in
Work in OrdIn the September economic development report, we’ll examine the June 2010 sales tax receipts that show a trend of month-in, month-out retail growth. We’ve surpassed our 2009-2010 allowable sales tax collections (.4 of 1%...
Rural business survey provides opportunities
Live in Ord, Work in OrdOur friends over at the Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP) have release quite an interesting survey of Nebraska rural small businesses, identifying some specific needs of the rural business community. The results aren’t...
The Benefits of Buying Locally
Live in Ord, Work in OrdThink Local – Buy Local – Be Local! As a follow-up for our Buy Local campaign, The ORD Option, we’re offering some insight into the purchasing power of buying locally. Spending dollars in our community can have some seriously...
New Blood in Valley County
Live in Ord, Play in Ord, Work in OrdFor decades many rural communities have fought the challenges that brain drain and population loss have created. New hope has begun for Ord and Valley County, however. From 2000-2009, the number of young people in Valley County has...
Wind energy grants and loans
Live in Ord, Work in Ord, renewable energy, windWind energy is a big deal in Nebraska these days. Recently, Governor Heineman outlined the importance of wind energy in a recent press release titled Update on Wind Development in Nebraska. In his piece, he detailed several large...
Raising entrepreneurs
Live in Ord, Work in OrdTED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) is a fantastic website (and movement) that provides some seriously in-depth and entertaining discussions on a variety of issues. Below is a great talk about raising kids to be entrepreneurs. ...
Building rural entrepreneur clusters
Live in Ord, Work in OrdGrowing rural entrepreneurs can be a decidedly dicey business, especially in agriculture. Not only do you contend with finding viable business ideas and overcoming funding challenges, but you also have to deal with issues associated...
Wind power critical to economic growth
Live in Ord, Work in OrdThe Grand Island Independent had a great piece in the Sunday paper about the economic impact of wind power generation for the United States. From the article: “Kaplan said the U.S. wind industry will represent $330 billion in...
Wind in the Valley
Work in OrdToday, our partners at Nebraska Public Power District will helping us understand the factors that play into wind power development in Valley County, along with our friends from the surrounding counties. This effort is the product of...
ExtraORDinary Days Recap
Live in Ord, Play in OrdThank you to everyone who made this year’s ExtraORDinary Days a success. The beautiful weather and abundant community participation made for an excellent event. Below are the results for several activities. Rubber Duck Race: 1st...
Local business recognized nationally, again!
Work in OrdBrad and Gina Babb, owners of Sandhills Glass and Garage Doors, have receive more kudos lately for their efforts as rural entrepreneurs. AEO, a national advocacy organization for microenterprise, recently celebrated Brad and...
Health Care Reform
Work in OrdWhile we’re not going to get wrapped up in the politicking of the Health Care Reform Act, we *are* working with Congressman Adrian Smith‘s office to inform local businesses of the impact of the new legislation. Those...
Tracking economic growth
Work in OrdOne of the fun things about my job is when I get to study local, statewide and national drivers of local economic growth, and then seek to understanding the leading indicators that show that very growth in our area. We’ve said...
Volf joins VCED & Ord Area Chamber
Play in Ord, Work in Ord(Ord, NE) – Kristina Volf has recently joined Valley County Economic Development and the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce as a summer marketing intern. Kristina will assist the Chamber and economic development efforts that will increase...
Tapping a $46 million market
Play in Ord(Ord, NE) – Upcoming workshops in Red Cloud, Ord and Ogallala aim to help ag producers, land owners, businesses, local governments and individuals tap an emerging market valued at over $46 million. Jim Mallman of Watchable Wildlife,...
Learning from Success
Work in OrdFast Company has a great blurb about learning from success versus failure. In it, Alex Bogusky, co-chairman of Crispin Porter + Bogusky, talks about the implications of learning from failure and the culture of fear that it breeds. ...
Microfinance works
Work in OrdThe Globe and Mail out of Toronto has a great read today on the importance of microfinance. As many of you know, microfinance is the engine that has driven our growth for 10 years in Ord and Valley County. Nearly a full third of our...
Rural economy gaining jobs
Work in OrdThe Daily Yonder has an interesting post about the latest rural economy job gain. Ord and Valley County clock in with slight job gains in February 2010. Rural Nebraska as a whole saw strong growth. The Yonder reports: “In...
Valley County Courthouse Ribbon Cutting
Live in Ord, Work in OrdToday we celebrated of our $300,000 grant award from USDA Rural Development for the establishment of an area-wide revolving loan fund, the first project being the renovation of the historic Valley County Courthouse. The courthouse is...
Breaking ground at OHS
Live in OrdOur pals (thanks Jen) over at Ord High sent along video from yesterday’s groundbreaking for the $9.8 million renovation and new building project. We posted about the event last week here, and you can read details on the...
National effort recognizes local business
Work in OrdWaaay back in October, we mentioned that Brad and Gina Babb of Sandhills Glass and Garage Doors were recognized by the Association for Enterprise Opportunity as an exemplary model for their use of microfinance to grow their business....
Changes to a local financing program
Work in OrdLast night, City Council approved changes to our Valley County Business Corridor Microloan pool that drops the 4% interest rate to 0%. That means you, the Valley County business owner, can get up to $10,000 at 0% interest for property...
Now hiring
Live in Ord, Work in OrdValley County Economic Development is seeking applicants for a 2010 summer marketing intern. The position will be designated as contract labor and will be approximately 32 hours/week. Pay is commiserate with experience. Current college...