New sign big part of plans for Chamber of Commerce

McCOOK, Nebraska -- A new electronic sign on the corner of Norris and B Street has been on the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce's agenda for a long time, and will take up a big chunk of its 2013-14 budget.

Plans are in place to have the sign in use in time for the Red Willow County Fair in late July. According the Director Tacie Fawver, the chamber has been saving money for several years for the sign project, so its much-anticipated arrival will be the result of several years of work by Chamber staff and committees.

One of the first messages on the sign will be the declaration of the Red Willow County Fair Board as the third quarter honor business.

"With all of the activity that comes to town through the Kiplinger Arena, as well as the annual fair, the board thought it was fitting to honor the Red Willow County Fair Board," Fawver said.

New chamber directors will replace retiring board members in July. Fawver had a special thanks to outgoing board members, Tyler Schmick of Schmick's Market and Tom Wiemers of Garrison's for their service on the board of directors over the past years.

Officers for the 2013-14 year are Darryl Volquardsen, president; Karmon Coleman, president-elect; and Alan Gunther, past president.

Upcoming events include the annual Crazy Days sidewalk sales, with a "Disco Discount Days" theme. Area artists, both visual and performing, will be featured in chamber-member stores on Friday of the three-day event.

A new event that will take place during Crazy Days is the "Color Me Crazy" fun run/walk sponsored by the Young Professionals Group. The 5k run/walk starts at 7 a.m. Saturday, July 20, at the Red Willow County fairgrounds. Registration is $25 by July 13 and $30 after that.

Proceeds will provide a scholarship to McCook Community College or McCook Beauty Academy.

Forms are available at Kristie Baker's State Farm office, The Sports Shoppe, McCook National Bank, or the chamber office.

The chamber also will host a legislative wrap-up session with State Sen. Mark Christensen 7:30 a.m. Thursday in Prairie View Room B at Community Hospital at 7:30 a.m.

Coming in September will be the annual Heritage Days events. While the details are still being worked out, the chamber is looking for some basketball enthusiasts who would like to compete with the Harlem Ambassadors during a new Saturday, September 28th, event. The Ambassadors' provide wholesome family-friendly entertainment, made all the more fun when local "celebrities" are part of the show. For more information, contact the chamber at (308)345-3200.