New chamber board members oriented

New directors Bill Longnecker and Deb Lafferty attended an orientation for new McCook Area Chamber of Commerce board members during a regular meeting this week.

Karen Kliment, also a new board member, was unable to attend.

Chamber Executive Director Tacie Fawver updated the board on the electronic sign project, which will be purchased using funds provided by the City of McCook and will be placed on the northeast side of the Norris Avenue and B Street intersection.

The board also chose Longnecker Jewelry as the Chamber Honor Business for the third quarter. An award presentation will be made in early July.

Crazy Days will take place July 19 to 21. In addition to the traditional bargains and costume contest (Thursday), the Retail Planning Committee has decided to add "Downtown Art" to the event this year. Various artists have been invited to set up demonstrations and live performances throughout the business community on Saturday, July 21.

According to committee member Matt Sehnert, "We want this to be a win-win-win celebration for patrons, artists and merchants. I hope that we can showcase some of the fantastic talent in southwest Nebraska and northwest Kansas. We currently have approximately 15 artists interested." A partial list of artists and performers who have committed include Kasha Messersmith, JerriLynn and Darren Karr, Amber and Barb Leising, YMCA Live Y'ers, Jack Stevens, Ray Walters, John Clesson, Ron Evans, Bev Rhea, Bill Longnecker, and students from Victory Christian Academy.

The Heritage Days committee is also planning for the annual celebration to take place September 27 to 30. "We are in the process of lining up entertainment for Norris Park, and we already have 21 booth commitments," said Fawver. The committee is exploring options for expanding the variety of booths offered in Norris Park during Heritage Days.

New chamber businesses in the past few months include Hamilton's Hair Creations of 115 Norris Avenue and Healing Hands Massage Therapy of 203 West E Street, Suite 3. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at Healing Hands on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.