Connect: a podcast by the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce

In this short solo episode, Adam dives into the power of seasonal promotions, starting with one of the most famous examples: Starbucks and the Pumpkin Spice Latte. He explores how local businesses can use the same strategy of scarcity and seasonal excitement to draw in customers. It is not just about the product itself, but about the feeling and tradition you build around it.

In this episode of Connect, Adam teams up with Micah Huyser from the Nebraska Prairie Museum to tackle the corn maze at the upcoming Fall Festival. Along the way, they share what’s in store for this year’s festival, highlight other fall events in Holdrege, and give a sneak peek at the early planning already underway for WinterFest. Spoiler alert: they do eventually find their way out of the maze.

In this special episode of Connect: Backstage to Boardrooms, Adam takes us inside his day with Holdrege Middle School and High School JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) classes. Through stories from his 15-year music career and his journey to leading the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce, Adam shows how skills, not job titles, open doors to opportunity.

From editing audio and video to graphic design, project management, and more, he explains how the creative and practical abilities he developed on stage now fuel his work in helping Holdrege grow and thrive. This episode is both fun and inspiring, offering students and professionals alike a reminder that the skills you build today can shape the career you create tomorrow.

In this episode of Connect, we sit down with Holly Rahmann, Senior Director of Strategy and Communications at Phelps Memorial Health Center and 2024 Past President of the Holdrege Chamber Board.

Holly shares her journey from Oklahoma to Kansas City and eventually to Holdrege, where she found both purpose and community. We dive into what it means for a rural town to have access to a critical care hospital like Phelps Memorial and why that matters for the future of Phelps County.

She also reflects on her time leading the Chamber board, including how the Chamber’s role has grown from event planning to being a key force in supporting business and community development.

It’s an episode about leadership, connection, and why Holdrege continues to be a place worth investing in.

In this episode, Adam sits down with Brett Bebensee of Glenwood Telecommunications to explore his unique journey, from managing Holdrege’s former Shopko to leading the YMCA, and now serving local communities through high-speed fiber internet. We also dive into his passion for E-Sports, how video games are opening doors for students like Dane Sidel, and why tech matters in rural towns. Brett also shares how he views the Chamber’s role in Holdrege...and yes, we get a little nerdy, too. 🎮A HUGE shoutout to The Drive Golf and Lounge for hosting us and providing us with some Caprese Paninis and delicious martinis!

What I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Insurance
From life insurance basics to understanding your auto coverage limits, this LevelUp! session with Stephanie Culver of Shelter Insurance is a straightforward walk-through of the insurance conversations you should be having, but might not know to ask about.

This audio-only episode puts you in the seat of a typical client consultation, where Stephanie breaks down:

• Term vs. whole life insurance (and when each might make sense)

• Why minimum auto coverage isn’t enough

• What Shelter offers that sets it apart

• Common claims questions

It’s not glitzy, but it’s real, practical, and full of useful takeaways for anyone who wants to understand their coverage better.

In this special episode of Connect, Adam sits down with three familiar faces — Rebecca Anderson, Cassie Ehrenberg, and Luke Mills — who serve on the Iron Horse Arts District board and are a few of the creative minds behind the Iron Horse Arts Festival.

Together, they reflect on the success of last year’s inaugural festival, share what made it so memorable, and preview what’s new in 2025 including expanded art experiences and more community-driven fun. You’ll also hear about the power of the arts in small towns, the diverse expressions of creativity (from food to fine art), and what it means to make Holdrege a place where the arts feel alive.

Whether you're an artist, a local, or just love a good festival, this episode is for you.

Special Shoutout to Dairy Queen in Holdrege for the amazing treats: Reeses Caramel Craze!

In this episode of Connect, we sit down with ARKAI, an award-winning electro-acoustic duo that’s performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to NBA halftime shows, and now, Holdrege.

They share their story of meeting at Juilliard, how one spontaneous jam session at a party led to forming ARKAI, and what it’s been like building a career that bridges classical tradition with cutting-edge creativity.

Holdrege will be one of the very first audiences in the world to hear music from their brand-new album, Bright Side, set to release August 22. We also talk about their passion for inspiring young artists and using music to build connection, no matter the size of the stage.

Tune in and get inspired. This episode is Sponsored by The Tassel Performing Arts Center.

What happens after one festival ends and before the next one begins? A lot more than you might think.

In this quick episode, Adam shares what goes on behind the scenes between Midsummer Festival and Winterfest—how events like these are planned, why they matter to our community and economy, and how local input shapes the process. You'll also hear a few common misconceptions about Chamber events and learn how to get involved early.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to bring energy, fun, and momentum to a small town—this one’s for you.

In this episode, Adam sits down with Joel Pelster, Branch Director of the Don Sjogren Community YMCA, to talk about community connection, the importance of youth and family programming, and how the YMCA serves as a cornerstone in a town the size of Holdrege.

Joel shares what it’s like to lead a nonprofit that touches lives across generations—through sports, summer activities, health programs, and more. They also swap stories about growing up in Ogallala, and reflect on what it means to choose Holdrege as home.

From board service to basketball leagues, this episode explores how community impact is built over time—with purpose, partnership, and plenty of behind-the-scenes work.