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P O N YGothenburgArea Chamber ofCommerceBoard of DirectorsJim Widdifield, PresidentJanell Rossen, Vice-Pres.Tonya Steuben, Sec.-Treas.Bret Tiller, Past Pres.Kim JohnsonBrandon KauffmanLaurie MoodyMatt OlsenJoe RichesonSean SabinAaron Coleman, GICJill Rubenthaler, CityE X P R E S SExchangeVOL. XXXVJULY, 2015NO. 7Pony Express RodeoJuly 3—4, 2015Rodeo Arena 27th & Lake Avenue7:00 pm Nightly Performances Rodeo Slack 8 am DailyAdmission: 8 Adults / 5 Kids (6-12 years) / Free under 6 yearsJuly 3rd—Kids Night All kids 12 & under Free(sponsored by Gothenburg FFA)GothenburgImprovementCompanyBoard of DirectorsMike Bacon, PresidentAmber Burge, Vice-Pres.Shane Maxwell, Vice-Pres.Joe Richeson, Vice-Pres.Nate Wyatt, Vice-Pres.Aaron Coleman, Sec.Greg Viergutz, TreasurerScott BartelsMick BrantVerlin JanssenKarl RandeckerLuke RickertsenMike TeahonRick ZarekDean Kugler, Ex-Off.Jen Wolf, Ex-Off.Joyce Hudson, Ex-Off.Bruce Clymer, Ex-Off.Angie Richeson, Ex-Off. Mutton Bustin’—6:00 pm (in arena before rodeo—sign up at 5:30 pm) Critter Scramble (Kids activity during the rodeo)July 4th—Freedom Night All Veterans and Military FreePatriotic Opening Ceremonies Pony Express Race in the arena featuring local racersFEATURED ENTERTAINMENTJared Slagle, Pro Rodeo AnnouncerBert Davis “The Coppertown Clown” & His Mutley CrewAward Winning Bucking Stock J & J Rodeo Company, Lakin, KSBeer GardenConcessionsw/live music after the rodeoProvided by Gothenburg Rotary After Dark (RAD)By Gothenburg Boy ScoutsCDO StaffMatt WeissExecutive DirectorJune Blauvelt, Event &Tourism CoordinatorHeather Combs PlatterAdmin. Asst.308-537-3505Fax 308-537-2541Chamber @gothenburgdelivers.comCHAMBER OF COMMERCE—GOTHENBURG IMPROVEMENT COMPANY1
Busy!We’ve beenHere’s what your CommunityDevelopment Office and it’scommittees have been doing lately AGPlanning is under way for the Beef,Wine and More event scheduled forAugust 28. The committee is beginning a recruitment initiative.AMBASSADORSAmbassadors are gearing up forsummer events. Ambassadorsgreeted the Pony Express riderswho stopped at the Midway Stationat 96 Ranch on Wednesday, June17 as part of the 2015 re-ride. Sixambassadors represented Gothenburg at the Nebraskaland Days Parade in North Platte on June 20.Ambassadors will also attended theCallaway Parade and FarnamFounder’s Day parade on June 27.OFFICEThe office staff have been busypreparing for the new websitewhich will offer enhanced memberbenefits. Tourism, membership andcommunity affairs continue to be ahigh priority in the CDO office. Thestaff visited the Midway Stationduring the Pony Express re-ride.Numerous local, county and statemeetings were attended on behalfof our valued members.BUSINESS PROMOTIONContinues work with the Think Local First program. The Farmer’sMarket will begin Thursday, July 16.PD & EHosted a seminar in June focusingon Medicare Benefits. Hosting aConceal and Carry in the workplaceseminar in July. Planning a seminarin August to present the newChamber website to members.Reviewing WOW Award nominations.PONY EXPRESS STATIONThe station has been busy with thesummer tourist season in fullswing. Visitor statistics and salescontinue to rise from last year andnew inventory is being added.GICContinues efforts of growingGothenburg and finding sustainablebusinesses and industries to be partof Gothenburg’s economy. Alsolooking into the need for morehousing and daycare.TOURISMWork continues on new welcomesignage and other projects aroundGothenburg.THANK YOU.for your help and assistanceduring the month of June.to Miriam Zietlow for answeringphones at the CDO office during ourstaff meeting on June 5th.to the Ambassadors who represent Gothenburg at parades andevents.to area residents and businessowners who supported the fundraising cause at the 40th annualGothenburg Area Firemen’s Ball.to everyone who participatedin the Women’s Resource Center’s14th annual Walk for Life.Sean Sabin for attending awebsite meeting on behalf of theChamber Board.Jill Rubenthaler for placingflowers at the Swedish Crosses.Pony Express Chevrolet for useof a vehicle at the Farnam FoundersDay Parade.Larry & Jan Gill for hosting acoffee break at the Pony ExpressMidway Station during the 2015re-ride.2.Verlin Janssen for preparing theGothenburg fire truck for theAmbassadors to use at parades andevents.Pony Express Station staff forsharing the pony express story andtheir experiences with visitors fromacross the country and around theworld.HATS OFF to Ryan Groene and MaryHarbur for leading the Lap of Hopeat the American Cancer SocietyRelay for Life of Dawson County. to Craig Saum, energy vicepresident for All Points Cooperativefor 35 years of service to thecompany. to Dave Clark, for 38 years ofservice to All Points Cooperative. to Patrick Messersmith forcompeting at the Nebraska StateGolf meet.to Wade Geiken and Jim Clarkfor receiving a resolution fromDistrict 35 Senator Matt Williams inrecognition of the NebraskaChampionship Meet.to Jack Ostergard, retiredrancher, for being inducted into theNebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall ofFame.to Gothenburg Swim Team forfinishing in first place at the Kearneyswim meet and in the runner-up position at the Lexington swim meet .to Emily Keiser for qualifying forthe State 4-H Horse Exposition.to Gothenburg FFA OfficerTeam for attending Chapter OfficerLeadership Training (COLT). to Tanner Borchardt forparticipating in the 57th ShrineBowl.to Gothenburg Killer Bees forwinning the Jack Waller Tournamentat Holdrege.
What: Concealed/Carry LawsWhen: Watch your email for detailsWhere: Gothenburg Public LibraryCALENDARRegistration: 10 includes lunchJuly 20152—Ambassadors Meeting,9:15 am*Learn your rights and responsibilities as a business owner andhow concealed/carry laws affects your business.3—CDO Office Closed at noon3— Pony Express Rodeo, 7 pm4—Independence Day4—Pony Express Rodeo, 7 pm6—CDO Office Closed7—Business Promotion Meeting, 8am*7—Dawson County VisitorsCommittee Meeting, 2 pm,Cozad8—Ag Committee Meeting, Noon,Pizza Hut11-19—Dawson County Fair,Lexington14—Chamber Board Meeting,11:30 am *16—PD&E Meeting, 8 am*16—Farmers Market, 4:30 pm,Ehmen Park23—GIC Board Meeting, noon*23—Farmers Market, 4:30 pm,Ehmen Park30—Farmers Market, 4:30 pm,Ehmen Park31—Tourism Committee Meeting, 9am*The Dawson County Fair is July 10—19 in Lexington. The theme forthis year is “The Place to Be Seen in 2015”.Make sure to be seen checking out the 4-H exhibits and show animals that Dawson County youth have on display. And, the carnivalwill be open during the evening beginning on Wednesday, July 15through Sunday, July 19.In addition to the various dates and times for the 4-H livestock andanimal shows, the following events are scheduled throughout theweek: Wednesday, July 15 at 7:00 pm is the Rodeo at the DawsonCounty Arena. Thursday, July 16 at 8:00 pm is the Stoney Larue concert infront of the grandstands. General admission tickets are 25per person (5 and under free). Demolition Derby is Friday, July 17 at 7:00 pm in front ofthe grandstands. General admission tickets are 10 foradults, 5 for children 6—12 and 5 and under are free. Sunday, July 19 at 6:30 pm is the Dawson County HeatSprint Nationals URSS 305 Sprint Cars and IMCA Classes.Admission is 20 for adults, 10 for children 6—12 and 5and under are free.For a complete list of activities and schedule of events at the fairvisit www.dawsoncountyfair.com.* CDO Conference Room3
Where in Gothenburg is this?Look around Gothenburg and see if you can find where the image in the picturebelow is located. Submit your answer via email: chamber@gothenburgdelivers.comAnswer will be revealed in the August issue of the Pony Express Exchange.Where in Gothenburg is this?The Answer to the question from the July newsletterThe building which now houses Nelson’sAppliance and Repair was once known as the“Dale” Building.Thank you to everyone who took the time toreply to this question! We appreciate hearingthe stories and recollections of buildings andlandmarks throughout Gothenburg.4
2015 Pony Express Re-RideThe 155th Anniversary of the Pony Express was celebrated by a re-run of the famed mail service. Over600 riders and horses carried mail by relay over the original trail, June15—25, 2015.Pony Express rider arriving at thePony Express Midway StationThe first rider departed the Patee House in St. Joseph at 10:00 am on June15th and the last rider rode into Pony Express Plaza, Old Sacramento at2:00 pm on June 25th. The1,966 mile route coversthe Pony Express NationalHistoric Trail from Missouri,across Kansas, Nebraska,Colorado, Wyoming, Utahand Nevada to California,the historic western terminus of the Pony Express.The riders arrived at thePony Express riders pose for a picture at the Pony ExpressPony Express Midway Station located on the 96 RanchMidway Station located at the 96 Ranchsouth of Gothenburg at approximately 8:15 am onWednesday, June 17. They were greeted by the Gothenburg Ambassadors as well as other communitymembers. Riders spent 30 minutes talking with people while enjoying a coffee break before handing offthe mochila carrying mail to the next rider.Pony Express riders removingthe mochila from the arrivinghorse.Pony Express riders placing themochila on the fresh horse tobegin the ride to the next station.Pony Express rider leaving the PonyExpress Midway StationWELCOME TO GOTHENBURGVisitors to Gothenburg are greetedby a new sign located on Avenue Gat the bottom of the viaduct.The Gothenburg Tourism Committeereplaced the previous sign whichwas damaged by weather. The signdirects people to the downtownbusiness district.5
September 17— September 19, 2015Parade—Saturday, September 19th at 10:30 amEveryone is encouraged to participate! Put your creative juices in motion and let your imagination soar!Put together a parade entry to live out your dreams.Arts in the Park—Saturday, September 19th 9:00 am—3:00 pmSign up for a booth today to sell crafts and merchandise.Location: Ehmen Park—Lake Avenue (Parking on Avenue F)Space:10’ x 10’ (Tents and Tables are NOT provided)Fee: 15.00/space (*No charge to Chamber Members)Food Vendors—Saturday, September 19th 9:00 am—3:00 pmLocation: Ehmen Park at 16th Street & Lake AvenueExhibitor Space: 10’ x 10’ NO electricityExhibitor Fee: 15.00/spaceExhibitor Space: 10’ x 10’ with electricityExhibitor Fee: 25.00/space (six spaces available on afirst reservation basis. One per vendor)Arts in the Park (Public Service)—Saturday, September 19th 9:00 am—3:00 pmThis is a great opportunity to sponsor a cake walk, face painting, dunk tank or other fun festival event.Non-profit organizations, school groups, church groups, civic organizations or even a group of family orfriends can sponsor a booth.Location: Ehmen Park—Lake AvenueExhibitor Space: 10’ x 10’ or Street Space (Tents and Tables are NOT provided)Exhibitor Fee: No ChargeEntry forms were mailed to past participants of the Parade and Arts in the Park vendors in late June.Additional copies of the entry forms are available at the CDO office or you may access the appropriateform via the links below. Reservations for all events are due by Friday, August 28th. Parade Entry Form Arts in the Park Entry Form Food Vendor Form Arts in the Park Public Service FormFor more information contact the CDO office at chamber@gothenburgdelivers.com or 537-3505.6
Spotlight on MembershipThanks for investing in your Chamber, GIC & community!ChamberThank you for investing in your Chamber and community! We appreciate your support andhope all members do business with one another.What does membership mean to you? As you may have read in the June Newsletter, we are reevaluating member benefits. We would like to know the benefits that are most important to you. Some ofthe current benefits include: Annual recognition in the newsletter &Gothenburg Times Discounted radio / television advertising Free advertising of special events inthe newsletter Subscription to monthly newsletter and weeklye-news update Use of bulk mailing permit and discountedpostal rates Access to chamber member mailing list Swede Bucks—Shop Local ProgramPlease email us at chamber@gothenburgdelivers.com if there are benefits that you believe wouldenhance your chamber membership or help us to recruit future chamber members.AwardsDo you know someone who goes that extra mile to make acustomer happy?Save TheDate!Do you have a co-worker who always seems to brightenyour day?Maybe you witnessed a random act of kindness and thatperson deserves to be recognized?WOWDoes a fellow Chamber member conduct themselves in amanner that makes you proud to call Gothenburg home?Nominate them for WOW Award!The process is simple—document the person’s name, place ofemployment, and reason for the nomination. Email thatinformation to June Blauvelt (june@gothenburgdelivers.com).Award recipients will receive a small gift, certificate of recognitionand be recognized in the newsletter7Friday, August 28, 2015NSG BuildingKeep watchingfor sponsorshipinformation
Spotlight on MembershipThanks for investing in your Chamber, GIC & community!GICWe appreciate membership support of our economic development efforts.The Gothenburg Improvement Company is dedicated to Growing Gothenburg and meeting the needs ofthe business community. As we continue to focus on business recruitment, we are actively addressingthe corresponding issues of housing and daycare.Investment OpportunitiesInitial Stock Investment . 250Spouse Stock Investment . 125Stock Payment Plan . * 50per year for 5 years or until stock investment is paid.*Annual Assessment must be paid during the years of the Stock PaymentPlan.Annual Assessment . 150Spouse Annual Assessment . 75Annual Assessment Payment is required for active membershipafter total stock investment is paid in full.What does the investment do for you?When the Gothenburg Improvement Company was established in 1961, a stock certificate program wasset up to provide seed money for its recruitment efforts. That initial seed money has been used severaltimes over.Business and industry recruitment has changed considerably over the years. One dramatic change hasbeen the increased pressure to stay competitive with every other community in Nebraska as well asout-of state communities.Another challenge the GIC Board faces is increased overhead costs to maintain professional support staffand create quality recruitment materials. GIC’s current commitment to the Community DevelopmentOffice is just over 48,000 annually.The demands of competitive recruitment and maintaining a professional office have created the need fora continuous funding source beyond a one-time stock investment.Your membership investment, along with the 1/2 cent city sales tax and active volunteer leadership, willensure that the Gothenburg Improvement Company can continue its highly successful recruitmentefforts.Mission: To encourage business growth and entrepreneurship by promoting Gothenburg as World Classcommunity resulting in job creation and an outstanding quality of life for its residents.8
Swede Bucks!Its Summertime in Gothenburg! Why not celebrate with Swede Bucks? They are available in 5 and 20 denominations and can be purchased at the Gothenburg CommunityDevelopment Office.Swede Bucks are encoded by the bank and can be used just like a personal check. Thebest part is they are redeemable ONLY at Chamber Businesses.Give a summertime gift and support Gothenburg Chamber Businesses.Remember.Swede Bucks, it’s really that simple.Please let us know!Let us promote your events, activities and accomplishments in the monthlynewsletter as well as the weekly email blast. Please email us atchamber@gothenburgdelivers.com with information that you would likedistributed to other chamber members. We appreciate your membership andwant to recognize your business!5th Annual Dawson County Car & Bike ShowThe 5th Annual Dawson County Car and Bike Show was held atEhmen Park on Saturday, June 27.The event showcased cars andbikes, from classic to vintage andfrom old to new. In addition to thecars and bikes lining the streetsaround the park, there were foodvendors and a slip and slide for the kids.The show was sponsored by Sabin’s Body Shop.9
2015 Farmers MarketEhmen Park(Avenue F between 15th Street & 16th Street)Thursday Evenings 4:30 pm—6:30 pmJuly 16* July 23 July 30 August 6 August 13 August 20 August 27September 3 September 10 September 17 September 24*Please Note Farmer’s Market starts on July 16 (not July 9)Vendors are still needed for the 2015 Farmer’s Market! The market showcases a variety of vendorsselling fresh produce and seasonal products.A successful Farmer’s Market provides the community with benefits beyond buying and selling. It provides community members with access to fresh produce, helping them to live a healthy lifestyle. It alsopresents an opportunity to support our strong agricultural heritage. As more generations are becomingremoved from agriculture, the Farmer’s Market can be a vehicle to educate people about the source oftheir food. And, what a great way to spend quality family time on a summer evening, walking throughthe market and choosing healthy meal options.2015 Farmers Market Information1. All food vendors must be certified to accept the Nebraska Department of Agriculture Senior Farmers’Market Nutrition Program vouchers.2. Selling will take place on the East side of Ehmen Park. Sellers are welcome to parallel park their vehicles on Avenue F and set up tables on the grass directly west of their vehicle. There can be NO sellingon the street.3. Vendors are responsible for their own tables, chairs, shade devices, change, bags, coolers, ice, etc.4. Stalls are 15 for the season or 5 per week5. Only products in compliance with the regulations of the State of Nebraska Department of Health maybe sold at the Farmer’s Market. A person who prepares and sells potentially hazardous food (food thatis capable of supporting rapid and progressive bacterial growth or toxin formation) at a farmers’ market must obtain a license. *6. For complete rules and information click here or contact June at the CDO office 537-3505 orjune@gothenburgdelivers.comThe following items are allowed to be soldwithout a permit*: Fresh fruits and vegetables Baked goods, breads, cookies and fruit pies Popcorn and other seeds Fresh and dried herbs Jams and jelliesThe following items can NOT be sold at aFarmer’s Market*: Low acid canned foods in hermetically sealedcontainers, including pickles and salsa Unpasteurized milk, cheese, yogurt Cream pies Foods from unapproved sources*Source: Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Consumer Protection www.nda.nebraska.gov10
An eye on Tourism.Postcard returns to GothenburgA postcard depicting a photograph of the Pony Express Station by famed postcard designer GeneMcConnell was recently returned to the Pony Express Station. The owner found the postcard while sorting through her Aunt’s estate. It was sent to her family in Wheeling, IL in 1957.The photographic style of the postcard was the trend of the era and provides a sense of nostalgia forwhat Gothenburg may have been like during that time period. The postcard is proof that Gothenburg wasa tourist stop 60 years ago and evokes memories that brings people back 60 years later.One of the greatest legacies we as a community can leave for future generations is the pride for ourtown and the desire to continue to make Gothenburg more than just a place.but a state of mind!2015 Pony Express PostingsSummer Hours (June—August): 9:00 am—7:00 pmFrom June 1—26, there were 2,803 visitors, salestotaling 8,403.52 and donations totaling 300.Visitors included 30 groups of people from 13 differentcountries; an actor from Carson City, NV; a group ofgeology teachers from UNL, studying Nebraska/Wyoming geology; a travel
Sprint Nationals URSS 305 Sprint Cars and IMCA Classes. Admission is 20 for adults, 10 for children 6—12 and 5 and under are free. For a complete list of activities and schedule of events at the fair visit www.dawsoncountyfair.com.
