The quality and availability of childcare is critical for the success of any community. A thriving  childcare industry allows working parents be a part of the local workforce, it creates employment opportunities for childcare providers and educators, and more importantly, quality care shapes the minds and ethics of our youngest citizens - our next generation of workforce and community members.

According to a report commissioned by First Five Nebraska, conducted by the University of Nebraska - Lincoln's Bureau of Business Research, the lack of childcare costs Nebraskans $745 million per year.  You can access The Bottom Line Report Overview on First Five Nebraska's website: www.FirstFiveNebraska.org 

On this episode of The Chamber Connection Podcast, we visit with Mike Feeken, Strategic Partnerships Advisor for First Five Nebraska, about the impacts childcare has on local economies and a Legislative Bill (LB531) that was introduced on February 4, 2021 regarding the Nebraska Child Care Contribution Tax Credit Act and the benefits it could create for the Valley County area. 

For more information on the Loup Valley Childhood Initiative, visit www.LoupValleyChildhoodInitiative.com. 

The holidays are quickly approaching and Small Business Saturday is happening on November 28, 2020 so we wanted to create a special episode of The Chamber Connection Podcast with our Chamber members in mind. On this episode we’ll unpack all of the holiday promotions and shop small initiatives offered by the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce that serve not only our members but local shoppers as well.

Resources: 

2020 Promotion Packet: 
www.ordnebraska.com/business-promotions-for-winterfest-and-small-business-saturday

2020 Virtual Snowball Drop Details:
http://www.ordnebraska.com/snowball-drop-goes-virtual-in-2020

2020 Co-Chamber Holiday Scavenger Hunt Details:
www.ordnebraska.com/ord-area-chamber-and-burwell-area-chamber-host-second-co-chamber-scavenger-hunt

Shop Small Studio (for customized Small Business Saturday materials):
www.shopsmall.com

Maybe you’ve suffered headaches, sports or work-related injuries or have trouble sleeping at night. Or maybe it's become a little more challenging to maintain your balance when you get dressed in the morning. 

When it comes to these common ailments, physical therapy may be the solution. 

On this episode of The Chamber Connection Podcast, we’ll hear from Sabrina Naprstek, Physical Therapist Assistant at Valley County Health System, and Christy Peterson, Physical Therapist and owner of Riverside Physical Therapy, about pain, movement and how physical therapy can help. 

DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice but rather information to help increase your knowledge and understanding of overall wellness. You can consult your primary healthcare provider about treatment options specific to you. 

For more information on local physical therapy resources featured in this episode:  

Valley County Health System
www.valleycountyhealthsystem.org | (308) 728-4200

Riverside Physical Therapy 
www.riversideptord.com | (308) 728-4070

Mental health is a key component of overall health and wellness and leaders in our community have taken thoughtful action to ensure local students have access to mental health resources as they would any other form of health care. 

Dr. Heather Nebesniak, Superintendent of Ord Public Schools, and Mr. Colin Lansman, Elementary School Counselor, share details about the Wholeness Healing program, the flexibility if offers students and families and the simple steps parents or guardians can take to engage their students in this program.

For more information on the Wholeness Healing Program for OPS students, contact Ord Public Schools at (308) 728-3241. 

For more information on Wholeness Healing: www.wholenesshealing.com | (308) 382-5297

Fire is a powerful force of nature and it can serve a valuable purpose when it comes to agriculture, landscapes and natural habitats. 

Ben Wheeler, a local Wildlife Biologist, talks about the advantages of controlled burns and is a great resource for area landowners when it comes to the process of planning for and executing a controlled burn. He also debunks a few misconceptions about the damage fires cause for habitats and wildlife species. 

If you’re interested in learning more about having a prescribed burn done on your property, contact Ben Wheeler at (308) 750-2652 or via email: [email protected]

Over 30 million Americans are affected by this disease and 7 million American adults are unaware that they have it. We’re talking about diabetes. 

We have incredible health care providers and resources in the Valley County area and we’re hearing from two of them on this episode about diabetic education and detection.

Kayla Beethe, Diabetic Educator with Valley County Health System, explains what diabetes is, symptoms, how diabetes impacts your overall health, lifestyle changes and how parents can model these lifestyle changes for their children.

Dr. Brandon Blair, owner of Professional Eyecare in Ord, is sharing more about their new Optos technology and how this high-definition, wide-field camera captures images of the back of the eye which can be used to detect diabetes before a patient even experiences symptoms. Dr. Blair also shares other benefits they’ve experience with this technology along with ways to support your overall eye health.  

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

American Diabetes Association: www.diabetes.org 
Prediabetes Risk Test: www.doihaveprediabetes.org

Estate planning seems to be one of those topics that everyone knows is necessary, yet no one is too excited to dive into. 

On this episode, you'll hear from three local attorneys and members of the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce to develop a better understanding of wills, trusts and power of attorney. 

Jessica Piskorski - Stowell, Geweke & Piskorski P.C. L.L.O.
Heather Sikyta - Sikyta Law Office 
Gary Petersen - Peterson Law Office 

DISCLAIMER: This information is not intended to serve as legal advice but rather information to help increase your knowledge and understanding of estate planning. You can consult your local attorney about estate planning specific to your circumstances and needs. 

There is something extremely powerful about grassroots efforts. The passions and drive of community members and stakeholders that come together to work toward a greater good creates a dynamic synergy that leads to incredible things. 

That’s exactly what’s happening with the Loup Valley Childhood Initiative (LVCI). This 11-person core team has been gathering since April 2020 to seek resources, connect with community members and current childcare providers, and join forces to address the demand for quality childcare and early childhood education in the Valley County area. 

On this episode of The Chamber Connection Podcast, we’ll hear from Katie Walmsley, Coordinator of LVCI, Melani Flynn, Consultant for LVCI and Kristina Foth, a LVCI Core Team Member and Interim Director of Valley County Economic Development and Ord Area Chamber of Commerce. They're joined by Shonna Werth, Assistant Vice President of Early Childhood Programs of the Nebraska Children & Families Foundation who will explain Valley County’s participation in their Community 4 Kids initiative. 

Tune in to the conversation about LVCI, the staggering demand for childcare in our area and ways you can get involved in this initiative.

Visit the LVCI Facebook page for the survey link to offer your perspective about childcare in the Valley County area.

Online marketing for your business not only allows you to connect with current and potential customers, it offers an opportunity to develop your brand, boost your credibility and share your mission.

For this episode of the Chamber Connection Podcast, we’re sharing our conversation from our Virtual Chamber Coffee Connections which centered around creating a impactful online presence for your business – we visited about everything from online marketing, social media advertising, websites & SEO, experiential marketing, e-commerce and more.  

In this episode you’ll hear from several Ord Area Chamber members who attended this virtual event including: 

Josh and Sara Holmquist with Normal Roasting Company
Caleb Pollard with Scratchtown Brewing Company
Jennifer Smith with Viaero Wireless 
Steve Klimek with Anderson Pharmacy 
Rachelle Stolzer with Mariposa 
Amber Mentzer with American Family Insurance
Megan Davis with Valley County Health System
Kristina Foth, Director of the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce