Your Chamber This Week

February 26 - March 1

YOUR CHAMBER THIS WEEK

New Entertainment Hub Announced for Conestoga Marketplace

Big things are taking place at the Conestoga Marketplace. The Chamber is sharing the news that B&B Theaters is set to open this year, bringing to Grand Island a new seven-screen theater with heated recliner seating, as well as a 10-lane bowling alley, a huge arcade loaded with classic and new games, and four full-sized pickleball courts. A new restaurant and full-service bar will also be part of this amazing venue.

See media coverage from NTV, News Channel Nebraska, The Grand Island Independent, KSNB, and KGFW.

Area residents should prepare for an “unparalleled entertainment experience,” according to B&B Theatres president and CEO Bob Bagby.

USDA Releases New Ag Census

Did you know Hall County has more than 550 farms, with the average farm size being roughly 500 acres? The combined market value of Hall County’s ag products is nearly $400 million, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2022 Census of Agriculture, which was recently released.

Because ag production is one of the foundations of our regional and state economies, the Chamber is sharing this link to the new ag census. It examines the number of farms by size and type; inventory and values for crops and livestock; producer characteristics; and more.

For county-specific data, click here.

At a Glance: Nebraska's Recent Tax Reform

In recent years, Nebraska policymakers have worked to make the state's individual and corporate tax rates more competitive.

The nonpartisan Tax Foundation has published this update, noting that Nebraska is moving toward a flat corporate rate of 3.99% by 2027. For tax year 2024, Nebraska's top marginal corporate rate will be 5.84% on income exceeding $100,000, down from 7.25%.

For individuals, the state also aims to reduce the top rate to 3.99% by 2027. For tax year 2024, the top individual rate will be 5.84%. (See this analysis from Chamber partner Lutz for tax year 2023 guidance.)

Meanwhile, Gov. Jim Pillen is seeking to reduce the burden of Nebraska's locally imposed property taxes by 40% via a plan to raise state sales taxes. See this analysis by the conservative Platte Institute, which argues against efforts to raise the sales tax rate or extend the sales tax to business purchases.

Top 35 Under 35

If interested in applying, click the 'Apply Here' button below.

Nomination is not required to apply for this award. If you wish to nominate someone, please send an email with their contact information to cglock@gichamber.com.

Apply Here!

Learning Seminar: High Quality Conflict

Managers spend roughly 40% of their time involved in conflict in some form. Conflict is unavoidable. Whether professionally, at work, with a co-worker, or personally in your relationships, it is just part of being human. Fortunately, the skills we need to have high-quality conflict can be learned.

Join us on April 17 for an in-person seminar that will expand your knowledge on one of the most problematic issues in the workplace.

Presented by Lee Elliott.

Why Choose Local?

Small businesses tend to donate more to local charities, community projects, and causes than large enterprises do. According to SCORE, small businesses donate 250% more than large enterprises do. Forbes also states that 75% of small business owners donate around 6% of their profits to local charities. When you choose to shop local, you're not only supporting local businesses but also helping to strengthen the community.

2024 Annual Meeting

The Grand Island Chamber's 2024 Annual Meeting will be held Wednesday, March 13 at Riverside Golf Club. The social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the dinner and program at 6:15 p.m.

Tickets are sold out! If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please email Samantha Moss at smoss@gichamber.com.

2024 Annual Meeting Honorees: