HOLDREGE – Holdrege will host the Nebraska Chambers Association Fall Conference Oct. 9-11 at the Holdrege Sun Theater & Event Venue. The theme is Seasons of Change, Strategies for Success.
Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Lori Larson said they expect to welcome about 30 attendees from across the state to Holdrege.
“The Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce wants to showcase our exceptional town to those around the state,” Larson said. “Having chamber executives from around the state and nation attend will help Holdrege be more widely recognized for our innovation, charming community, and various business strengths. It’s also a great opportunity for our local leaders to network about ideas for statewide or national reach.”
Conference attendees will be welcomed to Holdrege with a reception at Lost Way Brewery on Wednesday, Oct. 9, where they can join locals in playing music bingo. Braxton’s Smokehouse BBQ will serve the meal.
Before the welcome reception, conference attendees can participate in an optional Bronze Sculpture Scavenger Hunt via the Discover 37 app. Prizes will be awarded for attendees with the most points.
On Thursday, Oct. 10, attendees will meet at the Holdrege Sun Theater & Event Venue for various workshops featuring local speakers and speakers from around the state.
“We are meeting at the Holdrege Sun Theater & Event Venue to highlight Bricks & Company’s local investment strategies in hopes that other communities can do the same rehabilitation work to make it easier for people to stay and work in their communities,” Larson said.
On Thursday morning, PMHC’s Director of Marketing and Business Development Holly Rahmann will share how the hospital’s strategic innovation is leading to a healthy economic community.
Attendees will enjoy lunch on Thursday catered by Ra Ca’s, highlighting one of the chamber’s success stories.
“Owner Willis Courville attended a business start-up class at the Holdrege Chamber, started a food truck and is now transitioning into a bricks-and-mortar restaurant downtown,” Larson said.
During Thursday’s lunch, attendees will hear from keynote speaker William Yank, who will share anecdotes from his three-year battle with cancer and the foundational values he believes are critical for living a life in gratitude.
Other Thursday session topics will include Branding, Being AI-Thentic (HACC’s Adam Hernandez), Tech Tools that Cut Costs and Boost Efficiency (Lori Larson), Intern NE, Social Media and Digital Marketing, Member Engagement, Advocacy and Special Event Planning.
Thursday’s evening reception will take place at The Drive Golf & Lounge, where attendees will compete in a longest-drive and closest-to-the-pin contest on golf simulators.
The Friday morning session will include a presentation by Holdrege attorney Luke Deaver of DeWald Deaver L’Heureux on “Passing the Torch: Succession Planning for Aging Business Leaders.” The conference will conclude at noon on Friday, Oct. 11.
Several local businesses are supporting the conference by sponsoring meals or snacks and donating contest prizes.
For more information about the chamber conference or being involved in the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce, contact Larson at or (308) 995-4444.
