Thanks, Marie, for everything you have done

"To say that she will be thoroughly missed would be an understatement." The feeling expressed by long-time McCook Chamber of Commerce member, Larry Eisenmenger, was the collective sentiment of the McCook business community when it learned of the pending resignation of Marie Owen, executive director of the McCook Chamber of Commerce.

Marie has spent the last nine years dedicating her life to the growth of the city of McCook. Her commitment to the position was evident in the time and effort she put into every activity the Chamber sponsored.

Whether it was the annual Heritage Days celebration, the Freedom Flight Hot Air Balloon Festival, or the happenings of the Nebraska Legislature, Marie threw herself wholeheartedly into the event and her husband Don has been at her side.

During her tenure, the membership of the McCook Chamber of Commerce has doubled. A new Wal-Mart Supercenter was built on the west edge of town, downtown stores have flourished and the Nebraska Work Ethic Camp remained untouched by state budget cuts. Valmont Industries built a new plant on the east edge of the city and she has fought constantly to retain Essential Air Service in the city of McCook.

Now, she and Don are fighting a personal battle -- Don has been diagnosed with cancer. Because of his illness, the two have accepted an offer on their home and will be moving to Texas in the near future. They plan to spend time with their daughter and her husband and two young granddaughters, Zoe and Claire.

Marie said she would begin looking for a new position when she arrived at her new home.

But, it won't be the same as the experience she's had in McCook. "My sincere thanks for letting me serve as the director for the past nine years," she wrote. "It has been an exciting, rewarding ride." Thank you, Marie, for being the chauffeur on that ride to excellence.