 | Dan Donaldson joined the City Team in early October after Dean Bly retired from his 18 years of service. The City Staff & community are thrilled to have him and are grateful for his dedication and hard work. We look forward to seeing all of the great things he will do! |
State Farm Business After Hours With this being only the second Business After Hours since Covid-19 stopped people from gathering, we were thrilled with the turn out! Many chamber members came out to support their local member!
 The annual Teachers Breakfast took place on August 17th. With the gracious help of the volunteers, it was a successful start to the school year!
 The Neligh Chamber of Commerce was awarded a BRAN Scholarship to present on behalf of the BRAN riders. This was given to the community as a thank you for our generous hospitality in their time visiting.
Hunter Charf of Neligh, NE was chosen as the recipient because of his continuous dedication in volunteering to help the community. Hunter will be attending UNL for Bio-Engineering in the fall.  FORE!! The second Putt-A-Round Neligh is days away! The Neligh Chamber, Neligh-Oakdale FBLA, 30 chamber members and the Neligh American Legion have partnered to bring a business miniature golf tournament to Neligh for one night only! Join us at the American Legion 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. for a soup and sandwich supper. The folks at the Legion are known for great food! Putting beings at 6:00 p.m. Grab your scorecard and map at the Legion and start putting! Multiple businesses are set up in the Legion with other "holes" throughout town. At 8:00 p.m. we'll announce the winners! We're giving away a couple hundred in cold hard Neligh Chamber BIG BUCKS! Participating businesses are competing for the "Best Hole 2018" trophy, BIG BUCKS and, of course, BRAGGIN' RIGHTS! Be sure to meet us out at the Neligh American Legion, Monday, October 15th! We're going to have a blast! Neligh Chamber Mother of the Year Contest  Joe McNally of McNally Law will be the guest speaker for the Neligh Chamber of Commerce's next Lunch n' Learn.
Join Joe on Thursday, June 16, at the Neligh Senior Center at noon. Joe will be answering many questions business owners and managers have. We request your questions in advance to have available for Joe. There is no charge for Neligh Chamber members and $10 charge to non members to cover the cost of lunch. RSVP required by June 14. Please email or deliver your questions to Lauren by June 14 lauren@neligh.org. The first Annual Banquet was held Saturday, March 5th at the Neligh American Legion. This year it was decided that the meeting and banquet would be separated, and members welcomed the change! Over 55 members attended the banquet. Awards were given to Ed and Marlene Schindler for their 18 years of dedication managing the legion. Nate Metschke received an award for Outstanding Citizen 2015 for his “We support Neligh” campaign, and Dr. James Zielinski was awarded Member of the Year 2015 for his efforts in organizing the BBQ last August. Congratulations!   The Neligh Chamber of Commerce hosted it’s first annual Antelope County Ag & Home Expo at the Antelope County Fairgrounds on March 2nd - 3rd. Organizers Craig and Melissa Smith and Wade Pitzer worked with Greg and Lauren to make this event a great success on its inaugural year. It is estimated that about 600 people attended the event. The expo was sponsored by the Antelope County News and US92. Neligh-Oakdale FBLA provided food throughout the two-day event. There were over 54 vendors at the expo, with a waiting list.
 Tammy Howell of Neligh was the lucky winner of the four wheeler raffle during the expo in March. Big Red Motor Sports sold the four-wheeler to the chamber, at a reduced price, to create a new fundraising opportunity by providing something that most people in our area have a need for. There were only 200 chances to purchase a raffle ticket for the 2016 Artic Cat 500 cc 4x4 4-Wheeler valued at approximately $6,500. The drawing took place at the Antelope County Ag & Home Expo on March 3rd at 6:00 p.m. Although Tammy was not there when her name was drawn, we called her and she came right down! Tammy asked “Was it me or Carey who won?” It was definitely Tammy! Sorry Carey! “I’m super excited about winning the four-wheeler. Thank you to Neligh Chamber of Commerce," Howell said. We know that Tammy will have years on fun with this. The raffle created approximately $4,000 for the Chamber and will help fund several community programs throughout the year.
 It'll be a "Not So Manic" Merry Monday on Nov. 23rd with the day filled with great specials throughout Neligh.
Fourteen Neligh Chamber of Commerce businesses are planning HUGE sales to help you kick off your holiday shopping . . . and support your community! Neligh Flower Shop: Open 9-7, 20% OFF storewide, some exclusions apply. Serving refreshments. Hilltop Drugs Etc: 10% OFF Team Jack merchandise Moyers: Earlier you shop the more you save! 9-10 a.m. 40% OFF, 10-Noon 30% OFF, Noon to 5 p.m. 20% OFF. Storewide sales. Refreshments and a drawing for a $25 gift certificate. Carhart Lumber: Buy 1 gallon of paint at regular price & get the second gallon of paint for $5. Limit 2. Big Red Motorsports: Green Mountain Grill with rebates up to $100, including wi-fi models. Buy 3 bags of pellets, get the 4th FREE! Pitzer Digital: Call 402-887-4000 for 15% OFF holiday cards & business cards. Everything customized for business or family! Wanek Pharmacy: 25% OFF all gift items, excludes perfume. Thriftway Market: 10 a.m.—7 p.m. Shurfine powdered or brown sugar 2 lb. bag $.99 with store purchase, limit 1. Lucy’s Flower Corner: Stop in for the Special of the Day! Bangle Boulevard (Clip ‘N Curl): 20% OFF clothing. 719 Fitness Center: $25 OFF initial Personal Training Package and a free t-shirt. Massage by Cassie: Buy 1 massage gift certificate and get the second half off. Antelope County Chiropractic: FREE initial consultation and FREE 5 minute chair massage Kayton International: 15% OFF toy tractors. 7 Ways You’re Missing Getting Retail Customers In the Door (Bob Phibbs, The Retail Doc)
1. You’re not delivering an exceptional customer experience. It’s the old saw but it’s true... brick and mortar retail is all about the experience customers have at your store. It’s not about the products; just trust me on that. Creating that takes more than saying you provide customer service, it takes retail sales training, a relentless focus on going out of your way, and having an open heart as you engage each shopper. Engage shoppers in-store, and they’ll come back... and send their friends. 2. You’re not getting their contact information. A customer who buys something and leaves without any way for you to contact them leaves as a ghost. You need a system of collecting information that isn’t intrusive, robotic, or dependent on deals – are you listening Walgreens? You could use a kiosk in your store, a QR code to scan, or even an old-school form. Your best marketing should be aimed at people who know you already. 3. You don’t have regular communication. A simple set of emails for new customers or a monthly newsletter keeps your name front and center. Whether they need what you feature in that email, newsletter, or publication is irrelevant; they regularly see your brand which keeps you top-of-mind. Without using the information you collect, you are now a ghost, forgotten by those shoppers. 4. You haven’t created great window displays. If you have display windows, and you’re not using them correctly, you are not taking advantage of one of the most powerful marketing pieces at your disposal. You can either capture the attention of passersby with a thoughtful, focused display, or you can load it up with lots of junk and watch those passersby ignore you. Take the time to discover the scrumptious outfit, the tricked out electronics package, then add a great sign and voila. Note a best practice is to change them twice a month. 5. You haven’t used Facebook sponsored posts. The numbers on Facebook are still staggering which is why their sponsored ads and posts are so popular. Did you know you can actually select a competitor’s followers as a group to aim your ads at? I didn’t think so. Yes, they cost money. You have to use money to make money. And the more keywords or emails you use to form custom audiences, the better. Like any marketing, you can't just post an ad and do nothing else. You have to monitor, track, and A/B test the heck out of it. That said, I know of nowhere else you can drive your message to shoppers within your own trading area so easily. 6. You avoid the reality of online pricing competition. There is a perception that a smaller store will, by nature, be overpriced. Do you want to get buzz and attack online competitors head-on? Come up with a policy you’re comfortable with that offers your in-store customers an opportunity to stay, buy and return. Hear me out. We all know that Best Buy has about eight online retailers they will price-match...including Amazon. Your margins won’t allow you to go there. But when price matching becomes an issue and your customer is about to walk out, offer them the difference in a gift certificate for future purchase, an upgrade, or something of equal value. Wouldn’t it be better to save that sale by making those offers than letting them leave and buy from someone else? And won’t that buyer leave happy and most likely return? Of course, but it takes a very forward-thinking leader to make it happen. 7. You have limited store hours. If your hours are for your convenience and not your customers’, say closing at 5 pm on weekdays and staying closed on Sundays, you are actively telling a group of customers who work – we don’t need your business. The three highest traffic times in retail stores in order: Saturday 11-1, Saturday 2-4, Sunday 1-3. Retail is not a hobby business; you have to be open when shoppers want you to be.
Looking for something special this Valentine's season? Look no further than Neligh!
These great businesses are all planning specials from now until Valentine's Day. Big Red Motorsports With purchase of ATV or UTV receive $100 in Neligh Chamber Big Bucks Thriftway Market USDA Choice Angus Boneless New York Strip, cut & wrapped for $7.99/lb. Red ripe strawberries 1 lb just $1.99 Wanek Pharmacy 20% off all gift items Moyer’s 20% off Storewide & Black Hills Gold 40% Off. Check out our new spring items! Hilltop Drugs Etc. Generic 81mg Asprin $1.00/bottle Carhart Lumber Men’s gift boxes for your sweetheart Neligh Flower Shop Check out in-store specials for your sweetheart. Don’t forget roses! Urbanec’s Funiture and Floor Covering 5% off storewide Flower Corner (Lucy’s) Remember your sweetheart with fresh flowers, plants or beautiful orchids Mama’s & Nana’s All day Special Feb. 14th, Open until 10 p.m., Shrimp & 1 side $9.95, Chicken Strips & 1 side $9.95, both include drink, dessert & salad bar 
Teachers often look for patterns, and Zandra Catherine Jacob continued the sequence as being the third straight New Year's baby born to a teacher.
Zandra and her parents Scott and Megan Jacob of Neligh were presented with gifts Wednesday morning by members of the Neligh Chamber of Commerce, celebrating her birth as the first baby of 2015 born at Antelope Memorial Hospital in Neligh. Megan Jacob is a high school math teacher at Neligh-Oakdale and is the third teacher in as many years to have the New Year's baby. Jacob Sladky of Neligh, a teacher at Pope John Central Catholic, was the father of last year's baby while Shanna Lammers of Elgin, a teacher at Neligh-Oakdale, had the 2013 baby. Zandra was born Monday at 8:33 a.m., weighing 8 pounds, 3 1/2 ounces. She was 19 3/4 inches long. She will be welcomed home by sister Addyson, 5, and twin brothers, Walker and Cooper, 2. Her grandparents are Eli & Carla Jacob of Clearwater and Dwaine and Carol Green of Ewing. Her great-grandparents are Marjorie Green of Chambers and Mary Jareske of Neligh. Chamber of Commerce members making the presentation were Economic Development Director Greg Ptacek, along with board members Koryn Koinzan, Jon Schilling and Carrie Pitzer and members Krista Schindler and Deb Carden. The Jacobs were given flowers and $50 in Neligh Big Bucks.  The Neligh Chamber of Commerce is asking for community support in sprucing up the Christmas lights around the Antelope County Courthouse.
The Chamber is seeking donations to replace some deteriorating displays, as well as add more to continue around all sides of the courthouse. “After 5-6 years of weathering, the Christmas decorations at the the courthouse are beginning to show their wear,” said Dennis Anderson, Chamber president. “The community receives so many compliments on the lights that we really want to keep the displays looking good and positively representing Neligh.” Anderson said this is the best time of year to buy new displays since 2014 items are now discounted. Current displays were donated privately and by businesses. He said Neligh businesses and residents have been very supportive in creating a positive holiday atmosphere. The lighting of the courthouse, the parade, gather at the Legion with Santa, games and hot dog feed are things people - from Neligh and beyond - look forward to the Sunday after Thanksgiving. "The courthouse displays are an intricate part of the festivities and holiday spirit in Neligh,” Anderson said. “We are very appreciative of any donation we receive for this community improvement." Donations can be dropped off at or mailed to the Neligh Chamber of Commerce, 105 E 2nd Street, Neligh NE 68756. They may also be given to any Chamber board of director member - Dennis Anderson (Anderson Rentals), Carrie Pitzer (Pitzer Digital, Antelope County News), Jeri Anderson (Moyer's Department Store), Koryn Koinzan (Hilltop Drugs Etc.), Tina Snider (Beyer-Snider Funeral Home), Brandon Doke (Farm Bureau Insurance), Dr. James Zielinski (Creekwood Chiropractic), Jon Schilling (Jonny Dodge) or Jill Kallhoff (Pinnacle Bank). Congratulations to the winners of this year's Christmas light competition sponsored by the City of Neligh and Neligh Chamber of Commerce. The winners each receive $100 off of the electric bill from the City of Neligh. Darryl and Gladys Steckelberg won the religious category while Guy and Cindy Lewis took the residential honor. The Neligh Flower Shop, owned by Doug and Dodi Jessen, won best lights for a Neligh business.  Santa came to town Sunday night at the annual Christmas Kickoff sponsored by the Neligh Chamber of Commerce.
Despite frigid temperatures and wind chill making it feel just below zero, hundreds turned out for the event that began with the lighted parade. Lighting of the Antelope County Courthouse followed the parade before the crowd ventured to the American Legion. Carhart Lumber Company sponsored a free hotdog feed featuring Santa Claus, games from the Neligh-Oakdale FBLA and the Chamber Cash Booth. The Chamber put over $500 worth of Neligh Big Bucks inside with nearly much of it given out during the event. The Big Bucks are good as cash at nearly any Chamber business. For those wanting to give Big Bucks as gifts or bonuses, they're available for purchase at the Chamber/Economic Development office, Pinnacle Bank and Hilltop Drugs Etc. Special thanks to these businesses for organizing and contributing to the annual event - Moyer's Department Store, Carhart Lumber Center, Big Red Motorsports, State Farm Insurance - Melissa Smith, SchinDigs Garden Center, Snider-Beyer Funeral Home, Antelope County News, Pitzer Digital, City of Neligh, Hilltop Drugs Etc., Central Plains Satellite & Plumbing and Neligh-Oakdale Schools.  Neligh is the place to be Monday as nearly a dozen businesses have planned a big sales event in an effort to promote shopping local this holiday season.
Clothing, paint, poinsettias, decor, barbecue grills, rustic treasures, groceries, custom designed holiday cards and much more are on sale Monday, Nov. 24. Sponsored by the Neligh Chamber of Commerce's Retail & Trade Committee, nearly a dozen businesses have specials planned in hopes that local residents remember the importance of supporting local businesses. For those tough-to-buy for people on your list or you employees, the Chamber has Neligh Big Bucks for sale. Similar to a gift certificate, this good-as-cash bucks can be spent at nearly all Chamber-member businesses. It allows people to spend the Big Bucks on what they want and guarantees the money stays in Neligh. Big Bucks can be purchased at the Neligh Chamber/Economic Development office, Pinnacle Bank or Hilltop Drugs Etc. Below are all of the specials on Monday. All of these businesses accept Big Buck as well. Neligh Flower Shop: Open 9-7, 20% off storewide, some exclusions. Remaining fall merchandise is 40% off. Serving refreshments. Hilltop Drugs Etc: $5.00 off Team Jack T shirts Moyers: Earlier you shop the more you save! 9-10 a.m. 40% off, 10 a.m. - Noon 30% off, Noon-5 p.m. 20% off. Storewide sales, some exclusions. Refreshments and a drawing for a $25 gift certificate. Carhart Lumber: Buy one gallon of paint at regular price & get the second gallon of paint for $5.00. Limit 2. Big Red Motorsports: Green Mountain Grill with rebates up to a $100, including WiFi models. Buy 3 bags of pellets, get the 4th FREE! Pitzer Digital: Call 887-4000 for 15% OFF holiday cards, business cards, flyers, logos, printing & graphic design. SchinDigs Garden Center: 20% Off Poinsettias. Wanek Pharmacy: 20% off all gift items, excludes perfume. Thriftway Market: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Shurfine powdered or brown sugar, 2 lb. bag $.99, limit 2. Flower Corner (Lucy’s): Stop in for specials of the day! Bangle Boulevard (Clip ’N Curl): 20% off clothing.
 Employee bonuses, teacher gifts, exchanges. This year, consider giving a gift that pays it forward - one that is guaranteed to stay in Neligh and help the community.
The Neligh Chamber of Commerce is encouraging businesses and residents to give Neligh Big Bucks for Christmas, which guarantees the money stays in Neligh. They're available in denominations of $3, $6 and $21 and can be combined for larger gifts. Consider a $3 stocking stuffer or $6 for a teacher's gift. They can be combined for larger employee bonuses, too. They can spent on everything from groceries and gas to clothing and flooring. Last year thousands of dollars in Neligh Big Bucks were purchased for employee bonuses and gifts, according to the Neligh Chamber. Every dollar in Big Bucks stayed in Neligh and helped the economy. From there, businesses used it for their families and goods, making it a gift that paid forward. Big Bucks are redeemable at most Chamber member businesses - Hilltop Drugs Etc., Thriftway Market, Schindigs Garden Center, Lucy's Flower Corner, Cubby's, Jonny Dodge, Razor's Edge, Eye Physicians, Wanek's Pharmacy, Moyer's, The Willows, Big Red Wireless, Big Red Motorsports, Pitzer Digital, Pitzer Enterprises, Beyer-Snider Memorial, Neligh Flower Shop, Carhart Lumber, Subway, Casey's, Antelope County News, Antelope Country Club or Urbanec's Furniture & Flooring. Neligh Big Bucks can be purchased at Pinnacle Bank, Hilltop Drugs Etc. and Chamber/Economic Development office. 
Dr. James Zielinski showed his humor Monday morning as the Neligh Chamber of Commerce welcomed Creekwood Chiropractic's newest doctor to Neligh.
Following a ribbon cutting, Zielinski took participants to the middle of Main Street, which the Neligh City Council approved to be closed for the event, for a "Zero Mile Fun Run." That's where "runners" took their mark, ran a step and finished the race. Of course, everyone was deemed a winner and received a t-shirt. Chamber president Carrie Pitzer presented Dr. Zielinksi with a certificate and first dollar. Also on hand was Secretary Krista Schindler, Economic Development Director Greg Ptacek and members Melissa Smith and Candice Hoke. Zielinski recently joined Creekwood Chiropractic in Neligh after a six-year stint in Anchorage, Alaska. Dr. Zielinski, who has moved to Neligh, is a 12-year military veteran with a diverse history of service and duty stations. While in the Army, he was introduced to power of chiropractic, and it affected his life so strongly that he re-zeroed his focus and his career and became a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Zielinski served in the Clinic Abroad program at Palmer College of Chiropractic, from which he graduated in 2007, in Manaus, Brazil, where he helped the indigenous people and poor people who had no regular access to health care.  It’s that time of year again!
That’s right! BLOCK PARTY TIME! For the second year in a row, the Economic Development Office will be hosting Community-Wide Block Parties. Several block parties will take place all around Neligh at the same time on Sunday, September 14. The parties will begin at about 5 p.m. If you are interested in hosting a block party, please contact Greg Ptacek at 402-887-4447. Once signed up, the organizers will receive a $5 Thriftway Gift Card and will be the contact person for their neighborhood, responsible for organizing and inviting neighbors. If you are interested in hosting, please call before September 5. "During the parties, the Economic Development Office, Neligh Chamber of Commerce, Neligh Police Department, and volunteers from Target will visit the parties, distributing prizes, Big Bucks, and the always popular: Neligh trash bags!" Ptacek said. "The Chamber Cash Booth will be traveling to each party as well to give those with quick reflexes a chance to win big money!" He said a map of the block party locations will be released online. A printed copy can be picked up at the Economic Development Office, 105 East 2nd St. |
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