S/G United Chamber of Commerce 2023 Annual Report

PAGE 2

2023 ANNUAL REPORT

SG United Chamber Of Commerce

Looking Forward

Looking Back

carried us forward with grace, professionalism, and determination. I hope you feel accomplished for all you did in 2023 to ensure we continued to support our members. Thank you, Chamber committees for supporting business interests such as Agribusiness, Ambassadors, Workforce Readiness, Government Affairs, and Valley Visions. These are driven by active members and provide valuable education and networking opportunities plus insight into business trends and opportunities. Thank you, John Stinner and Jeff Wolfe for your time and guidance. Your involvement and insight were invaluable. Thank you, Chamber board members for taking time from your busy schedules to participate and advise us on our next steps. A special thank you to Jeri, Monica, John, and Jennifer. You are next-level amazing to work with. Thank you, Regional West, for allowing me the opportunity to be involved. Most importantly, thank you Chamber members! The Chamber exists to promote your interests, and the feedback you provided in 2023 will be used to ensure continued success. You will all be in great hands next year, as Jennifer Sibal will be your Chamber Board Chair for 2024. Congratulations, Jennifer!

As we move into 2024, the Scottsbluff/Gering United Chamber of Commerce Board and staff cannot help but to look back with immense gratitude. Long-time Chamber Executive Director, Karen Anderson, retired after 26 years serving the businesses and organizations of our community. During her tenure, Karen elevated the Chamber to new heights with her visionary leadership, steady guidance, strong advocacy, and love of community. As we celebrate the year’s accomplishments, we know they were all formed from a solid foundation created through Karen’s. This year, we also recognize the steadfast commitment of Jodi and Gemi, our amazing Chamber staff. Along with the dedicated staff, Chamber Ambassadors and our 306 members celebrated many new businesses, expanded locations, renovations, and first dollars with you! Chamber committees continued supporting business interests, through AgriBusiness, Ambassadors, Workforce Readiness, Government Affairs, and Valley Visions. The Chamber also assisted NEXT Young Professionals and Leadership Scotts Bluff administratively. All of these activities are driven by active members, these committees provide valuable education and networking, plus insights into business trends and opportunities.

JENNIFER SIBAL Gering Public Schools

CRAIG KENTZ Regional West Health Services

A year ago, Karen Andersen reminded me that tonight is about our Chamber members so I should keep my comments short. She’s right, tonight is about you, so I promise to be brief. We entered 2023 expecting significant change. Aside from the unplanned challenges each year brings, Karen had communicated her intent to retire. Karen, thank you for your expertise and dedication. You left the Chamber in a much better position than when you arrived, and you set your team up to be successful after your departure. A job well done! Thank you, Jodi and Gemi, for your knowledge and tolerance of uncertainty. The two of you have

Throughout 2023, our Chamber Board of Directors was led by Craig Krentz, who provided thoughtful guidance and leadership as we navigated some very big transitions. Thank you, Craig, for always taking that extra moment to reflect and make sure all perspectives and ideas were included. As we move further into 2024, I am excited to serve as the next president of the Chamber Board of Directors. With a focus on the business experience, I look forward to collaborating in new ways to elevate the opportunities for current and future Chamber members. The Chamber Board of Directors remains committed to you.

Directors Completing Terms

Directors Renewing Terms

DOUG SOUTHARD Rural Radio - Scottsbluff

DOUG MADER Western Nebraska Community College

JOHN MARSHALL Platte Valley Companies

JUSTIN SHADDICK Scottsbluff Public Schools

DOUG COUSE Riverstone Bank

Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online