Neligh Chamber of Commerce News

View Photos: Christmas Light Winners Announced

12/19/2014

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 Visits Neligh During Christmas Kickoff Event

11/30/2014

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.

Merry Monday: Neligh Businesses Planning Big Sales Event

11/23/2014

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.

Anderson, Pitzer Honored By Chamber Of Commerce

11/23/2014

Jeri Anderson and Carrie Pitzer were recognized for their service. Anderson was named Outstanding Community Member while Pitzer was honored as Outstanding Chamber Member.

Dwaine Trease, manager of Kayton International, stands with Chamber president Carrie Pitzer. Kayton International was recognized for 30 years of membership to the Neligh Chamber of Commerce.

Award History
Outstanding Community Member
2014 - Jeri Anderson
2013 - Margie Mortensen
2012 - Sharon Patras
Outstanding Chamber Member
2014 - Carrie Pitzer
2013 - Carrie Pitzer
2012 - Krista Schindler
2011 - Dennis Anderson
2010 - Koryn Koinzan
2009 - Craig & Melissa Smith
2008 - Jeri Anderson
2007 - Lyn Bichlmeier
2006 - Doug & Gloria Dennis
2005 - Jennifer Blackburn-Nielsen

Two of Neligh's leaders were recognized Saturday evening for their contributions to the local business community.

Jeri Anderson, mayor of Neligh, and Carrie Pitzer, president of the Neligh Chamber of Commerce, were honored at the annual Chamber banquet on Saturday at the American Legion.

Anderson was named Outstanding Community Member while Pitzer was recognized as the Outstanding Chamber Member. Nominations were received from Chamber businesses with the Board of Directors voting on the finalists.

Anderson is wrapping up her term as mayor and worked diligently on partnerships between businesses and promotion of Neligh. She is a member of the Chamber's Holiday Committee and is overseeing the setup of the courthouse lights and Neligh's Christmas kickoff at the American Legion next week. She's also been vital to the updates of the community banners that are a partnership between the Chamber and City of Neligh.

Pitzer has served on the Board of Directors since 2013, first as vice president and currently as president. She is a member of the Retail and Trade Committee and Strategic Planning Committee. Pitzer helped create an advertising cooperative between Chamber businesses for a more cost effective approach to purchasing radio, digital and print ads. She also worked with Economic Development director Greg Ptacek on the first "Lunch & Learn" on improved social media marketing.

Also recognized at the annual banquet were milestone members and new members.

10-Year Member: Werkmeister Cabinets
20-Year Member: Subway
30-Year Member: Kayton International

New Members: Antelope County Farm Bureau, Antelope County News, The Body Works, Dr. James Zielinski - Creekwood Chiropractic, Hild Construction, Bill Mowinkel - ESU 8, Flenniken Electric, Flenniken Plumbing & Heating, Pitzer Digitial and Melissa Smith - State Farm.

Pay It Forward: Give Big Bucks For Christmas This Year

11/15/2014

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.

Ribbon Cutting, Fun Run Held At Creekwood Chiropractic

10/20/2014

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.

Community-Wide Block Parties Planned For September 14

8/26/2014

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.

Ribbon Cutting Held For Pitzer Digital, Antelope County News

8/23/2014

More than a dozen Neligh Chamber of Commerce members attended the ribbon cutting for Pitzer Digital and the Antelope County News on Friday afternoon.

In front of their newly remodeled building at 110 E. 4th Street, the ribbon was cut and first dollar presented to owner Carrie Pitzer, along with team members Jenny Higgins and Erin Whitesel, who manage the Antelope County News - a subsidiary of Pitzer Digital, LLC.

Pitzer Digital, LLC was the first recipient of an LB 840 economic development loan from the City of Neligh and made it a priority to utilize local businesses with the project from steel and carpet to decor, office supplies and apparel

Pitzer Digital began in August of 2013 focusing on website development, marketing and graphic design and has blossomed into one of Neligh's fastest-growing businesses. The company expanded in December and launched the Antelope County News on January 1.

Pitzer Digital and the Antelope County News can both be reached at 402-887-4000.

Lunch & Learn: Chamber Hosting Class On Social Media

8/12/2014

Do you feel lost with social media? Do you know that your business should be on Facebook but don’t feel comfortable using it as a marketing medium?

The Neligh Chamber of Commerce & Neligh Economic Development Office have partnered to hold a lunch and learn dedicated to making you more comfortable with social media.

Carrie Pitzer of Pitzer Digital and Greg Ptacek of the Neligh Economic Development Office will present a short 30 minute presentation on “Using Social Media as a Business.”

It will include tips to save you time, reach more people, what to avoid, etc. It will also go over social media rules and etiquette. Presenters will be on hand to answer questions on general marketing and digital presence.

The class will be at the Neligh Public Library on Tuesday, Aug. 19, from noon to 1 p.m. and is available to a limited number of participants. The class and lunch are free to Chamber members and cost $8 for non-Chamber members (lunch is included). The Antelope Country Club is catering.

This class is not limited to only businesses. Individuals wanting to learn more about social media are invited to attend at the $8 fee (again, includes lunch).

"This is another way the Neligh Chamber of Commerce is helping the business community," Ptacek said. "The class will be very informative for businesses of all sizes. The cost of the class covers lunch expenses, so this truly is about providing a service to the community by helping businesses with their marketing campaigns."

All participants must RSVP to Ptacek by calling 402-887-4447 or emailing [email protected]. Payment will be accepted that day; please make checks payable to Neligh Chamber of Commerce.

11 Businesses Team Up For Summer Sales Promotion July 12-13

7/1/2014

The Neligh Chamber of Commerce is having another HUGE promotion in Neligh this week with 11 businesses participating. This is a sales promotion not to miss!

On Thursday and Friday, June 12-13 nearly a dozen businesses have specials going on, including up to $750 off a new or used vehicle from Jonny Dodge!

Here's what is going on in NELIGH!!!
SchinDigs Garden Center
20% off all plants Thursday and Friday. If you spend $50 or more, you get to pick a flower for a prize!

Wanek Pharmacy
Spend $50 and get $10 off gifts, exclusions apply

Flower Corner (Lucy’s)
10% off small angel chimes and glow in the dark butterflies
20% off preserved wreaths and swags, solar angels, crosses and flags, and Christmas angels

Moyers
25% off storewide. Open until 7 p.m. on Thursday

Jonny Dodge
Get $500.00 off new or used vehicles* on the Thursday or Friday. Come in between 5-7 p.m. on Thursday and get $750 off new or used vehicles*. *Excludes sale-priced vehicles.

Cubby’s
Take a shopping break at Cubby’s on Thursday and Friday and get a 16 oz. coffee or 32 oz fountain pop for just .59 cents.

Thriftway Market
USDA Choice Boneless Angus beef whole Ribeye or whole New York Strip cut and wrapped free just the way you like them, $7.99 per pound.
Bush baked or grillin' beans, 22-28 oz. $1.59
Shurfine granulated Sugar, 4 lb. bag, $1.59
Betty Crocker Hamburger Helper, 10 boxes for $10.00

Carhart Lumber
Buy one gallon of paint, get one for $5. Also offering FREE in-home design consultation with Tiffany Stelling, Carhart’s interior designer. This offer is good Thursday and Friday ONLY!

Neligh Flower Shop
20% off storewide, see store for exclusions

Hilltop Drugs Etc.
Now introducing the Redi-Medi! Stop in to find out how Hilltop can put all of your medication and vitamins in easy-to -use and easy-to-take packets for you. We also have a new refill program to sync your medications.

Big Red Motorsports
Stop in for deals on a B&B sprayer for your UTVs and ATVs. Visit our Neligh & O’Neill locations

The Retail and Trade Committee is part of the Chamber's new Strategic Plan for the business community. Businesses that are not members of the Chamber, but would like more information about the benefits of joining the Chamber, are encouraged to call 402-887-4447.

Become a member! After all, we're in business together!

QuickBooks Class Offered At Neligh Library May 19

5/1/2014

Do you use QuickBooks? If so, there's always something new you could learn! The Neligh Economic Development Office & the Neligh Chamber of Commerce have partnered to hold a two-day QuickBooks Training taught by Northeast Community College instructors.

The two-day session will be held Wednesday and Thursday, May 21 and 22, from 2-5 p.m. at the Neligh Library. Snacks will be included.

There is $75 fee to attend - it's $60 for Chamber members - plus a $35 QuickBooks instruction manual.

RSVP and payment need to the Neligh Chamber of Commerce by Monday, May 19.

The training will give credit toward the Neligh Economic Development Office's Continuing Education Enhancement interest rate discount.

Nine Stores Plan Sales Event April 14-15

4/3/2014

The Neligh Chamber of Commerce has reinvented its Retail Trade Committee and will be hosting its first sales event of the year.

The Chamber will sponsor a Spring Sales Event on Monday and Tuesday, April 14-15. Nine retail stores in Neligh will participate and offer discounts to customers. Two will even extend their hours.

Big Red Motorsports, Carhart Lumber, Flower Corner (Lucy's), Hilltop Drugs Etc., Moyer's Department Store, Neligh Flower Shop, SchinDigs Garden Center, Source Gas and Wanek's all have specials planned.

Moyer's and Neligh Flower will have extended hours on Monday as well.

The Retail and Trade Committee is part of the Chamber's new Strategic Plan for the business community. Businesses that are not members of the Chamber, but would like more information about the benefits of joining the Chamber, are encouraged to call 402-887-4447.

Become a member! After all, we're in business together!

Chamber Ribbon Cutting Held For State Farm - Melissa Smith

2/24/2014

More than a dozen Neligh Chamber of Commerce members attended the ribbon cutting for State Farm Insurance on Thursday afternoon.

A customer appreciation and Chamber After Hours event followed at the American Legion.

Melissa Smith of Neligh assumed the role as State Farm Agent on January 1.

Team members are Sandy Krohn of Albion and Candice Hoke of Orchard. Hoke is the Marketing Coordinator.

At the ribbon cutting, Smith was presented with a First Dollar plaque from Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Krista Schindler, Carrie Pitzer, Koryn Koinzan, Craig Smith, Bryan Hohnholt, Tara Smith and Brandon Doke.

Smith, who is a past president of the Chamber, is a longtime resident of Neligh and owns Big Red Motorsports with her husband, Craig. They have locations in both Neligh and O'Neill. They also own Smitty's Super Clean in Neligh.

The State Farm office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Smith and associates can be reached by calling 402-887-5156.

Lucy Sladky Is First Baby Of 2014 Born At AMH In Neligh

1/3/2014

It was nearly a month into 2013 when the first baby arrived at Antelope Memorial Hospital. But Lucy Frances Sladky wasn't about to wait that long. She was born at 9:34 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014.

Jake and Katie Sladky of Neligh welcomed Lucy, their third child, two days before her due date. She joins big sister Emma, 3 1/2, and brother Leo, 20 months. She weighed 6 lbs, 9 oz and measured 19 inches long.

The Sladkys said Lucy is a distant family name while Frances comes from Pope Frances, who is the 266th and current Pope of the Catholic Church.

As for the honor of having the first baby born this year, the Sladkys said it came as a surprise, even though it was so early in 2014.

"It was a surprise. We weren't thinking about having the first baby of the New Year," said Katie Sladky, who is no stranger to Antelope Memorial Hospital.

Katie works part-time at AMH as a PRN. She's now an instructor at the Norfolk College of Nursing and continues to work limited part-time at AMH. Jake is in his fifth year at Pope John, where he teaches Science and coaches golf.

The Neligh Chamber of Commerce continued its annual tradition of welcoming the first baby born of the New Year with gifts. The Sladky family received flowers arranged by the Flower Corner (Lucy's) and $50 in Neligh Big Bucks. The gifts were presented by Chamber President Carrie Pitzer, treasurer Koryn Koinzan, member Dennis Anderson and Economic Development Director Greg Ptacek.

Ryker Samuel Todd Lammers, son of Todd and Shanna Lammers, was the first baby born in 2013. He arrived January 23, 2013.