McCook Chamber of Commerce update

McCOOK, Neb. - Last week, the Gazette received a visit from Sarah Schneider, Director of the McCook Chamber of Commerce and Acting Tourism Director.

Recapping the most recent chamber meeting, Schneider began by saying, “We have two new members already this year.” AngelsCare Home Health and Good Life Golf Carts.

Schneider then reported that the Chamber Board had selected Whitaker’s Furniture of McCook as the honor business for the fourth quarter of 2025. Among the reasons cited for the award was Whitaker’s longstanding support of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program administered by the Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska. Whitaker’s furniture, according to Schneider, has been lending trucks and drivers, quietly and without fanfare, to complete the delivery of needed supplies from Arapahoe to McCook. An award presentation for Whitaker’s is tentatively planned for Feb. 24 at two o’clock.

Also discussed at the meeting was the 95th anniversary of the McCook Chamber of Commerce. Schneider said that in observation of the anniversary, both the website and the chamber logo would be updated.

As for committee meetings, Schieder indicated that a Heritage Days 2026 meeting had already been held, as well as a planning session for the summer “Bash on the Bricks.” She also noted that upcoming meetings for the retail committee would be held in the early evening, when stores are less likely to be open and independent retailers have a better opportunity to attend. Schneider looked forward to planning a downtown sidewalk event and to beginning preparations for Christmas 2026.

Last, Schneider was looking forward to positive changes associated with the Farmer’s Market, held downtown in the public parking area between East First Street and Norris Avenue. The group is considering adding music to the event and installing prominent signage to remind passers-by of the date and time of the weekly market.

Switching gears to the Red Willow County Visitors Committee, Schneider said that among action items for the tourism board were a review of signage, posters and flyers available at Ben Nelson airport.

Schneider also explained that the Visitors Committee will continue to support a cooperative arrangement with Steve Lytle, a longtime fishing guide and informal ambassador for Southwest Nebraska’s lakes. Lytle attends outdoor fishing and trade shows, shares table space with and represents the Red Willow County Visitors Committee.

She also noted that a new board had been seated, including Chris Wagner, Jesse Stevens, Veronica Waddell, Judy McCune and Carrie Unger. Schneider said that a full review of the organization is underway to organize and assess the status for the incoming Director (see county commissioners’ report).

Schneider also planned to join the new director at the Tourism Conference in Lincoln during the second week of February, with an eye toward gathering new ideas to promote McCook and support the new director’s transition.

Overall, Schneider looked forward to the transition, saying, “Now that I’m starting my third year at the Chamber, I know a little bit more,” adding, “we will work together side by side and … we’ll have a wealth of knowledge coming back from that Tourism Conference too.”