The Chamber Connection Podcast

What happens when a community invests in itself? In this episode of the Chamber Connection Podcast , we sit down with Caleb Pollard , Executive Director of Valley County Economic Development, to take a closer look at the Ord City Sales Tax Program (LB840) and how it has helped shape the future of Ord and Valley County. From the history of the program and why local voters chose to invest in economi...

Rev up your engines and join us for a trip through local history! 🚗🎙️ In this episode of the Chamber Connection Podcast, we sit down with members of Valley Rods Unlimited Car Club to explore the rich history of the organization and how it has become a beloved tradition in our community. From the club's beginnings to five decades of bringing car enthusiasts together, you'll hear stories,...

This episode is filled with entrepreneurial spirit, hometown pride, and plenty of gratitude. 🎙️ Vickie Ference joins us to share the story behind launching not one, but two businesses in the community that helped shape her journey. From what inspired her to take the leap into entrepreneurship to the ways she’s giving back to Ord, Vickie offers an honest and inspiring look at small business ownersh...

🎙️ In this spotlight episode of Chamber Connection Podcast , we feature Central Community College ’s Central Community College Ord Center and explore all the exciting things happening at the Ord Center. From upcoming projects and community partnerships to youth camps, classes, and new opportunities for learners of all ages, this episode highlights how the Ord Center continues to grow and serve our...

🎙️ In this episode of Chamber Connection Podcast , Why We Serve: Voices from the Chamber Board , we visit with Shelby Svoboda of Burdette's Custom Meats and Michaela Clemens of Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park as they share why they chose to serve on the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. From supporting local business to strengthening community connections, Shelby and Michae...

🎙️ In this episode of the Chamber Connection Podcast , we shine a spotlight on Cable Tow Collective and the story behind this unique local business. Hear how the idea came to life, what inspires their work, and how they are creating something special within our community. From entrepreneurship and creativity to community connection, this conversation highlights the people, passion, and purpose beh...

In this episode of the Chamber Connection Podcast , we sit down with members of Nu-Blu to talk about their journey as a nationally touring bluegrass band, the stories behind their music, and life on the road. We also get a preview of their upcoming performance at The Golden Husk on March 14 , where audiences can experience their signature harmonies, energetic musicianship, and heartfelt storytelli...

Have you ever wondered who is working behind the scenes at the Ord Area Chamber, Valley County Economic Development and Valley County Tourism, and what they do? For this episode of the Chamber Connection Podcast, staff members Katie Walmsley, Caleb Pollard, and Emily Reilly take time to share what a day to day in the office looks like, milestones from 2025, and what's to come for Valley Count...

In this episode, we sit down with Bill Schomoos, Director of UNL Opera, for a behind-the-scenes look at the magic of bringing world-class opera to small-town Nebraska. Bill shares the story behind the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s upcoming performance of La Bohème at The Golden Husk in Ord, what makes this beloved production so powerful for audiences of all ages, and how the collaboration is cr...

In this special holiday episode, we sit down with members of The Golden Husk Community Theatre to talk about their heartwarming and hilariously chaotic production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever . From the unforgettable Herdman family to the backstage magic that brings this beloved story to life, the cast shares their favorite moments, unexpected challenges, and what makes community theatre in...

With a style reminiscent of the beloved show “ Whose Line Is It Anyway ,” Scriptless in Seattle offers a unique blend of hilarious sketches, improvised musicals, game shows, film noir, and so much more. No two shows are ever the same and unique to the audience in the room.  Scriptless in Seattle will bring its unique form of comedy to The Golden Husk on Saturday, October 11, 2025 in Ord, NE.  Don&...

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Grandview Assisted and Independent Living as they celebrate National Assisted Living Week . From fun activities and community events to the meaningful connections formed between residents, staff, and families, Grandview is creating moments that matter every day. Tune in to hear how they honor their residents, foster joy, and highlight the importance of assi...

Community theater isn't usually something we associate with rural communities.  In reality, arts and cultural opportunities are a major factor in a community's ability to not only survive, but to thrive. It offers residents a chance to connect with members of their community from a variety of backgrounds to share a common purpose.  The Golden Husk Theatre offers that opportunity with the...

Technology is ever changing.  New devices, apps and websites are developed faster than we can blink. With this new pace of technological advances, it's hard to keep up and most importantly, it's hard to understand what and who you can trust.  Luckily, there are trusted partners out there that can not only help you with your new technology, but also help protect you.  For this episode, Ad...

Community theater isn't usually something we associate with rural communities.  In reality, arts and cultural opportunities are a major factor to a communities ability to not only survive, but thrive.  It offers residents a chance to connect with members of their community from a variety of backgrounds to share a common purpose.  The Golden Husk Theater offers that opportunity with their comm...

A good song can capture your attention, but a GREAT song can make you feel emotions beyond yourself and even change perspectives.  Episode 35 of the Chamber Connection Podcast features Nebraska based musician Kaylyn Sahns.  Kaylyn is making waves in country music with her new single "Wine About It" and will make her way to The Golden Husk in Ord on February 15, 2025 during The Golden Hus...

What comes to mind when you think of a great leader?  There are many ways to become a great leader in your work and personal life if you have the right tools.  For this episode of the Chamber Connection Podcast, community and business leaders Jeana Hackel and Josh Zangger stop by to share more about their experience with Synovation Valley Leadership Academy, a local leadership academy creating ene...

Sometimes, music isn’t just about entertainment.  For some people, a love for the arts is based down from generation to generation and becomes a piece of who we are.  It’s what connects family, friends, and even communities.   For this episode of the Chamber Connection Podcast, you'll hear from Nebraska based musician Lloyd McCarter.  Listen along as Lloyd shares more about his early start in...

Living in your dream home is something we all aspire to. Whether it’s a renovating the old farmhouse you grew up in, building a mansion from scratch on that piece of land with the view, or simply adding square footage to your current dwelling to make room for a growing family.  Whatever it may be, construction projects can seem daunting. Finding the right company that you trust to take your invest...

One thing that makes small businesses so unique and special is their connection to families.  Ancestry and quality time are woven throughout their fabric.  It could be the reason an individual pursues their entrepreneurial dreams or how one keeps a legacy alive with the use of a namesake.  LUX by Leslie is a great example of kinship within small business. For this episode of the Chamber Connection...

If you've listed to any previous episodes of this podcast, you know you know a major topics is the arts, specifically the arts in Nebraska.  I love asking Nebraska based artists why they chose to stay instead of leaving for a major metropolitan area.  The truth is, Nebraska isn’t just a great place for artists to call home, it breeds artistry.  The "slower pace" adjective we all use...

Community theater isn’t something you usually think of as an essential piece to rural living, but in reality it is.  The ability to join arm and arm with friends, neighbors and even strangers to create a community theater production is what sets communities like Valley County apart from the rest.  It allows residents to fill their cups with acting, singing, dancing, and most importantly, time with...

The sound of a piano is widely recognized, probably because you hear it more often than you think.  If you listen close enough, you can hear it all around.  In the elevator, while you’re sitting in a waiting room, in your favorite love ballad, in the sound machine you use to sleep or even in your headphones while you study for that big final.  It’s usually calming and relaxing, but can also be omi...

Fall is near, which means Scratchtoberfest at Scratchtown Brewing Company!  For this episode of the Chamber Connection Podcast, Mike and Caleb with Scratchtown Brewing Company invite the Chamber into their business to talk about their annual event, Scratchtoberfest happening .  Mike and Caleb also share what it's like being a partner in the business community as they approach their 10th year...

Calling all drivers!  Golf drivers, that is.  Episode 26 features Sandhills Strong Founder Lindsy Gumb Roberts.  This community benefiting nonprofit went above and beyond for their latest fundraiser, which features a grand prize of $100,000, all for a hole in one.  11 qualifiers will be given the shot to win big on Friday, June 30, 2023 immediately following the Valley County Health System Foundat...