Connect: a podcast by the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce

In this episode of Connect, Adam gives a behind-the-scenes look at a week focused on schools, students, and workforce development in Phelps County. The video starts with preparations for the first Workforce Draft Day event before plans quickly changed due to scheduling conflicts, giving a real look at the flexibility and problem-solving that goes into community work behind the scenes. Adam also vi...

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, Adam sits down with Whitney from 308 Bakery to talk about her journey from a small bakery trailer to a beautiful storefront right on Main Street in Holdrege. Whitney shares what those first few months of business have really been like, what she’s learned along the way, and how the community has supported her growth. She also talks about what’s next for 308 B...

In this episode of Connect, we sit down with Abbi Thorell, owner of Sweet Blooms Village, to talk about the path that led her to starting a flower farm in Loomis. Abbi shares how the idea took shape, what makes her approach different, and how she’s built something that’s both personal and rooted in the community. We also talk about the role local support has played along the way, and why that matt...

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, Adam walks through what a full weekend at Midsummer in Holdrege can look like. From the Thursday night kickoff to the Friday Sunset Concert and a full Saturday of events, this episode gives a simple way to plan your time and see how everything fits together. Whether you’re coming for a few hours or the whole weekend, there’s something happening at every step...

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, Adam sits down with Dr. Brandon Beebout to talk about his path into veterinary medicine and what led him to Holdrege. They walk through his journey from vet school to working in an established practice, and eventually taking the step to own his own clinic. Now with a second location in Holdrege, Dr. Beebout shares what this next chapter looks like for his bu...

In this episode of the Connect Podcast, Adam walks through five things you can expect at Midsummer in Holdrege. From the Mayor’s Proclamation and Prayer kickoff to the Sunset Concert, Grand Parade, Street Market, and Kids’ Zone, this episode gives a simple look at what makes the weekend special. Whether you’ve been coming for years or it’s your first time, there’s something here for everyone. Mids...

In this episode, we walk through the Holdrege Chamber Job Board and how it connects local businesses with job seekers across our community. You’ll learn where to find the job board on HoldregeChamber.com , how Chamber members can easily post open positions through the Member Information Center , and why it is a powerful tool for gaining visibility when your business is hiring. We also explain how...

In this video, I walk through the Business Tips and Community News section of the Holdrege Chamber website. This page is designed to keep our members and community informed with helpful business insights, Chamber updates, and important local news. I’ll show you where to find it, what kind of content is posted there, and why it’s a valuable resource for staying connected in Holdrege and Phelps Coun...

Looking to promote your event in Holdrege or Phelps County? Start with the Holdrege Chamber Community Calendar. In this video, we walk through where the Events Calendar lives on HoldregeChamber.com, how to submit an event, and why it is one of the most important places to share what you have going on. You do not have to be a Chamber member to post. If you are hosting a fundraiser, open house, clas...

In this episode, we’re talking about how businesses can use AI tools to save time and stay consistent, without losing what makes them unique. It’s easier than you think to let your voice get lost in the automation. Let’s talk about how to avoid that.

In this episode, we walk through the Community page at holdregechamber.com and highlight the resources that make our area strong, connected, and growing. You’ll learn about: • Our downloadable Movers Guide for those relocating • The Phelps County Visitor’s Committee and local experiences • The interactive Live in Holdrege page with information on schools, childcare, housing, churches, and employme...

In this episode of Connect , Adam answers several questions that came up this week, along with a few that the Chamber hears on a regular basis. The conversation covers the Chamber’s role in the community, how certain decisions are made, and why that work matters for local businesses and residents. It’s a helpful look at the purpose behind what we do and how it connects to everyday life in Holdrege...

Networking is listed as a benefit everywhere, but most of us rarely stop to think about what it actually means. In this episode, we talk about why networking often feels invisible, how real connections actually happen, and why the most meaningful opportunities don’t come from pitches or business cards, but from simple conversations. Using a recent Maximize Your Membership moment as an example, we...

The Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce reflects on a year focused on connection, consistency, and community impact. In this 2025 Year in Review episode, we look back at key programs, events, advocacy efforts, and behind-the-scenes work that supported local businesses and strengthened Holdrege throughout the year. From record-setting community events to new leadership development, digital growth, an...

In this special compilation episode of Connect, we bring together some of the best advice shared by leaders from across our community throughout 2025. From business and leadership to community involvement and personal growth, these insights reflect the values, experiences, and perspectives shaping Holdrege today. It’s a powerful reminder that great communities grow when people are willing to share...

In this episode of Connect, Adam sits down with Jeff Hofaker , the new Executive Director of the Phelps County Development Corporation. Jeff shares his professional journey, what brought him to Phelps County, and his early impressions of the community. They also talk about Jeff’s vision for economic development, how PCDC partners with local businesses and organizations, and the opportunities ahead...

This week’s episode of Connect takes place live on Facebook during the Holdrege for the Holidays Stamp Card Drawing. Adam thanks our sponsors, reflects on the Winter Festival, and draws ten names from the community, each receiving a $500 SPARK Gift Card. It’s a fun, unscripted moment that highlights the impact of shopping local and celebrating the season together in Holdrege.

Winterfest is almost here, and this week’s episode walks you through everything happening tomorrow in downtown Holdrege. From morning activities to Santa at The Sun, the Enchanted Winterland, Jingle Mingle stops, and the Parade of Lights, Adam gives a quick guide to help you plan your day. If you want a simple overview of what to expect and how to make the most of Holdrege for the Holidays, this e...

In this short episode of Connect , Adam sits down with members of the Holdrege for the Holidays Committee during our final meeting before Winterfest. Each person shares what they are most excited for or the part of Winterfest they look forward to the most. It is a quick, heartfelt look at the energy, teamwork, and anticipation building behind the scenes as our community gets ready for one of the b...

In this solo episode of Connect , Adam breaks down the top Black Friday trends small businesses should watch in 2025. From early shopping shifts to limited-edition drops, loyalty perks, gift card bonuses, and the rise of experience-based selling, this quick guide shares what is actually working for local retailers this season. If you want simple, practical ideas to boost visibility and drive holid...

In this quick five-minute episode of Connect , Adam shares five simple mindset shifts that can change the way you lead, work, and show up in your business. From practicing a mindset of abundance to choosing community over competition, these tips invite you to think bigger and move with more confidence. You’ll hear why it matters to be the best, not the only, how “you don’t know what you don’t know...

This episode takes a close look at an unexpected standout in rural America: the Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce. In a community of roughly 8,000 people, the Chamber has built programs, technology, events, and partnerships that look more like the work of an organization serving a city ten times its size. The conversation explores how Holdrege developed leadership training, a county-wide gift card...

In this episode of Connect , Adam shares what Holdrege for the Holidays 2025 is all about: the umbrella for every festive event happening across Phelps County. From the Holdrege for the Holidays Stamping Program that rewards shoppers for buying local to the excitement of the Winter Festival with Santa, lights, and community celebration, this episode breaks down how it all fits together to make Hol...

In this episode of Connect , Adam takes you behind the scenes at KUVR’s Town Talk for a morning in the studio. Join him for a look at what it’s like on the air as he talks about Holdrege for the Holidays , WinterFest , and all the excitement happening this season. It’s a fun, behind-the-mic peek at how we share Holdrege’s stories and celebrate what makes our community shine.

In this episode of Connect , Adam sits down with Alicia Norton , owner of Grey’s Twisted Manor , to talk about the journey from taking over Grey House Haunts to building a new chapter of Holdrege’s favorite fright. They dive into the behind-the-scenes challenges most people never think about, what it takes to keep the scares fresh, and Alicia’s vision for the future of Grey’s Twisted Manor. It’s a...